With a thought, Ye Ling stood up and began to practice the most basic introductory swordplay right then and there.
Horizontal and vertical slashes, thrusts, parries, and cleaves. The simplest of basic sword forms took on a completely different appearance in her hands.
There were no flashy moves or fierce displays of force; every strike was steady, precise, and heavy.
The trajectory of the sword was neat and perfect, the release of force clear and pure. Every single move flowed like water and clouds.
This seemingly unremarkable basic swordplay had long since been polished by her to the point of returning to simplicity.
Peak Master Ji stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gently stroking his beard, his eyes filled with approval.
Outsiders only knew that the Artifact-Refining Peak specialized in forging and crafting weapons, but few knew that he himself was an experienced sword cultivator who could see through the subtleties of her movements at a single glance.
Ordinary disciples practiced basic swordplay only seeking outward resemblance, but every form of Ye Ling's was imbued with day after day of relentless polishing.
Her foundation was rock-solid and stable, her reserves incredibly profound. Such a perfect mastery of the basics was more than enough to support Ye Ling as she walked the path toward the supreme sword Dao in the future.
Once Ye Ling finished her practice, Peak Master Ji smiled and said,
“When I forged this sword, I intentionally hid some extra weight inside the blade, making it slightly heavier than ordinary spiritual swords of the same grade.
“I originally thought that since you have just entered the Xiantian Realm and your physical body is still relatively weak, you might find it a bit heavy to use.
“Once you master a body-tempering cultivation method in the future and your body becomes strong enough, you will be able to perfectly handle this weight. Your Sword Force will then become heavier, fiercer, and more lethal.”
Ye Ling froze slightly upon hearing this, then smiled and shook her head.
“Heavy? This disciple does not feel it is heavy at all.
“I have recently been practicing a body-tempering cultivation method, and my physical strength is decent. Therefore, this extra weight poses no burden to me at all.”
Peak Master Ji nodded in realization, clicking his tongue in amazement.
“So that's how it is. No wonder you wield the sword with such ease, without the slightest awkwardness. It seems this old man was overthinking.”
After expressing his amazement, he smiled and pressed further, “So, looking at it now, does this Qinglan Sword completely suit your liking?”
Ye Ling's fingers gently traced the patterns on the hilt, genuine joy filling her eyes.
“It is absolutely perfect. Thank you for your painstaking efforts in forging it, Peak Master Ji.”
Peak Master Ji waved his hand, a broad smile spreading across his face.
“It's good that you like it. It was well worth the half-year of effort I spent meticulously polishing it.”
He paused slightly, looking as if he could no longer hold back a thought he had harbored for a long time, his eyes filled with anticipation.
“Lass Ye, let this old man ask you: are you interested in joining my Artifact-Refining Peak and studying the art of artifact refining under me?”
Ye Ling was slightly taken aback. She did not decline immediately, but instead pondered quietly for a moment before calmly cupping her hands.
“Thank you, Peak Master Ji, for your high regard and favor. This junior will keep it in mind.
“However, my heart is currently set on deeply cultivating the sword path and refining my cultivation. I have no plans to study artifact refining for the time being, so I hope Peak Master can forgive me.”
A trace of disappointment flashed in Peak Master Ji's eyes as he let out a soft sigh, but he did not force her at all, nor did he show any displeasure.
He knew well that everyone had their own aspirations, and they should not be forced.
“Very well, everyone has their own path, and this old man won't force you. Whenever you develop an interest in the art of artifact refining, feel free to come find me at the Artifact-Refining Peak. I will always keep a place open for you here.”
With that, he recalled the matters of the sect and instructed her once more.
“The Sect Master and the other Peak Masters have surely learned of your exit from seclusion. I expect it won't be long before they summon you for questioning and discussion.
“I still have some trivial peak matters to attend to here. You may head out first and handle your sect affairs.”
Ye Ling nodded slightly and bowed solemnly with cupped hands.
“This junior understands. Thank you, Peak Master, for your fulfillment and guidance. This disciple shall take her leave.”
With that, she turned and left the main hall of the Artifact-Refining Peak.
Just as she stepped out of the main hall, Ye Ling saw the female disciple who had guided her earlier waiting quietly by the corridor.
Assuming she was waiting for Peak Master Ji to assign her tasks, Ye Ling did not plan to stay long and intended to leave directly.
To her surprise, Su He quickly stepped forward and called out to her.
“True Disciple Ye Ling, please wait a moment!”
Ye Ling paused and turned back to look at her.
Su He hurriedly stepped forward to report, “Just now, Senior Sister Nalan Yanli came to the Artifact-Refining Peak specifically to look for you. Knowing that you were inside talking with the Peak Master, she asked me to wait here and pass on a message to you once you came out.
“The Sect Master and the Peak Masters are already waiting for you in the sect's discussion hall. They want you to head over as soon as you finish your business here.”
Upon hearing that the Sect Master had summoned her, Ye Ling's expression instantly turned calm and solemn, and she nodded in response.
“I understand. I will head there immediately. By the way, I haven't asked for your name yet.”
Su He froze on the spot, filled with both shock and joy.
Everyone in the sect knew that the Tenth True Disciple was cold and taciturn, always difficult to get close to.
She rarely took the initiative to ask for the names of ordinary disciples, so Su He never expected Ye Ling to strike up a conversation with her.
Unable to hide the wild joy in her heart, she quickly bowed and replied.
“This disciple is named Su He!”
“Su He.”
Ye Ling softly repeated the name, nodding slightly. “I've noted it down. Thank you for guiding me today. I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave first.”
The Sect Master's summons could not be delayed. Ye Ling spoke no further and immediately mobilized the Xiantian spiritual energy in her body. Her figure soared into the air as she flew toward the discussion hall, riding the wind.
This kind of short-distance flight was exceptionally draining on spiritual energy, but with urgent matters at hand, she had no time to worry about the consumption.
The disciples of the Artifact-Refining Peak, who were busy traveling to and fro or tempering weapons below, initially did not pay much attention when they saw a green-clothed figure flash across the sky.
There were tens of thousands of inner disciples who had stepped into the Xiantian Realm within the Qinglan Sword Sect, so it was a common occurrence for someone to fly in the sky.
However, when some disciples subconsciously looked up and clearly saw that upright and agile figure, they gasped in surprise on the spot.
“Wait! Is... is that True Disciple Ye Ling?!”
As the gasp rang out, the surrounding disciples instantly erupted into a commotion. They all raised their heads to gaze at the green-clothed figure flying high in the sky, their discussions and praises rising and falling.
“It really is her! I could never mistake her—the one and only Tenth True Disciple in the entire sect!”
“Do you remember the day she broke through to the Xiantian Realm not long ago?
“The spiritual energy swept across a full nine-mile radius, matching the peerless record set by Senior Su Qingyue three hundred years ago.
“Such talent cannot be found in another person in the Qingyun Kingdom even in a thousand years!
“It's not just the terrifying range of spiritual energy. She broke through to the Xiantian Realm at only sixteen years old. No one among her peers can even compete with her!
“She truly is the peerless genius of our Qinglan Sword Sect. When ordinary Xiantian disciples fly, it is nothing special, but when she glides through the air, even her silhouette alone makes it impossible to look away!
“No wonder the Sect Master and the Peak Masters value her so highly. With such talent, she will surely lead the sect to greater heights in the future, just like Senior Su Qingyue did.
“When that time comes, there will no longer be the four major sects of the Qingyun Kingdom—only our Qinglan Sword Sect!”
...
Countless disciples raised their heads to watch Ye Ling's figure disappear into the horizon, their hearts filled with heartfelt admiration and envy.
These words drifted clearly on the breeze into the ears of Ye Ling, who was high in the sky.
Listening to the praises rising and falling below, the corners of her cold lips curled up in an imperceptible smile.
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