AI Cultivation: Reborn as a Sword

Chapter 66: Lady Yue (2)

Lan Xiaohuis inner heart was filled with turbulent and chaotic streams. Of course, Lan Xiaohui wanted to seek the Dao. The shattered remains of her life demanded it. She was left here to die, and as far as she was concerned, she did die here. She was Lan Xiaohui no more now she was Zhu Xuelian.

Even if she could somehow escape this place and return to her Sect, her life was over. Her family disowned her, her lover destroyed her, and her friends, family and even strangers denounced her. Even if she returned to her Sect what would find her there is only her own demise.

Beyond her reputation and affiliations, her heart was also destroyed. Between being destroyed or being used as a Human Furnace by Lady Yue, she would probably rather pick becoming a Human Furnace than go through that same humiliation again.

Even when I first met her, she had lost her will to live. I helped her find a new reason to live through the lens of gaining revenge on her former lover.

To seek the Dao.

There was nothing else left to her.

Do you know of my Yue Clan? the woman asks, slipping off of Lan Xiaohuis lap and turning her back towards her, before sitting back down in front of my owner's knees. With a simple motion, Lady Yue snatches the hairpins out of her hair and allows her long locks to fall over her shoulders and back, and into the pool of water.

No, Lady Yue, Lan Xiaohui replies. Her tone is intentionally devoid of all emotion. She was not very good at foreign affairs or diplomacy. Her forceful way of appearing impassive only betrays the depth of her suspicion about this womans motives.

You dont have to be so stiff, the woman says with a chuckle. Help me with my back.

Lan Xiaohui hesitates for a few short seconds, but eventually, she nods and scoops Lady Yue's hair out of the way, and pours the hot water from the basin over Lady Yue's back and shoulders.

Have you heard of the Sun and Moon Sect? Lady Yue asks.

This time, Lan Xiaohui nods. I have, Lady Yue.

What did you hear?

Lan Xiaohui swallows. I only know that it was an evil Sect that was destroyed hundreds of years ago.

That is true, Lady Yue says. Do you know why it was destroyed?

Lan Xiaohui shakes her head. I dont know.

Lady Yue rolls her shoulders as Lan Xiaohui softly applies some pressure to her meridians, mimicking my efforts not that long ago. The older woman even hums in approval which causes Lan Xiaohui to smile grimly.

I could feel the determination solidify in my owner's heart. She would do whatever it takes to live. One day, if Lady Yue uses this to her advantage, she too would paint Lan Xiaohuis bloom red and fall under her sword.

The Emperor ordered it destroyed when it was no longer useful, Lady Yue explains. My Yue Clan was spared.

Lan Xiaohui froze, her heart wavering once more. I do not know anything about this Sun and Moon Sect, but seeing Lan Xiaohuis reaction makes it very clear that the description evil was well-earned.

Rarely, we allow outsiders to join our Ancestral Clan sometimes as equals, but mostly as servants, Lady Yue says and lifts a hand out of the water, signaling for Lan Xiaohui to stop.

Lan Xiaohui swallows audibly and then allows her hands to fall into the water. She sits still as a statue, waiting for Lady Yue to speak.

The benefits of being associated with my Yue Clan are that if you reach the Great Divide, we can help you cross it. No other Sect in this small Kingdom or the entirety of the Sky Continent can claim to do the same, Lady Yue says, turning her head halfway to the side to stare at Lan Xiaohui from the corner of her eye.

Lan Xiaohui nods, but it was clear that she did not understand this benefit.

Show me your Sword Domain, Lady Yue speaks softly, but the dominance in her tone is unmistakable. No matter how softly she spoke, those words were an order that could not be defied.

Lan Xiaohui nods, seems to think about the logistics of the problem how to show her from her current position without moving and then extends her right arm over Lady Yues shoulder.

Immediately, on the tip of her finger, three motes of Sword Domain appear, stilling the water, sound, and wind. It is more powerful than before and even sharper. Within the motes, I can feel a vibration that is like a thousand motes of sword Qi grinding the air molecules to nothing.

Lady Yue seems impressed. And you are only in the Foundation realm. How very fascinating, she said. You will do.

Lady Yue? Lan Xiaohui asks, timidly withdrawing her arm. Lady Yue's eyes glance at Lan Xiaohui's hand and for a moment I think she will grab my owner's hand, and I continue to feel that way until Lan Xiaohui completely withdraws it.

I cannot even predict this person's thoughts. Reading the mind of younger cultivators is not that complicated with my perfected perception; but it is an entirely different story for this entity.

We dont invite just anyone only the most world-defying talent may study with us and seek the Dao, Lady Yue says, leaning against Lan Xiaohui.

With a flick of her finger, a small box emerged from Lady Yues ring and landed at the edge of the basin, to Lan Xiaohuis right.

This medicine will help you recover, Lady Yue says. From now on, I am your benefactor. Do you understand?

Lan Xiaohui nods. Yes, Lady Yue.

The woman smiles, nodding.

Do you know of Star City? Lady Yue asks.

Yes, Lady Yue, Lan Xiaohui replies. I had planned to join the Galaxy Sword Sect, so I wouldve had to travel to Star City.

Perfect, Lady Yue says. Then I dont have to waste energy convincing you to join the Galaxy Sword Sect.

Lan Xiaohui furrows her brows. Lady Yue?

The woman laughs. I cant invite you to my clan when you are still only in the Foundation; no matter what your talent or fortune is, you must first prove that you are capable of something as simple as joining the best Sect in this tiny, talentless Kingdom. If you cannot even do this much, what use are you to me?

Lan Xiaohuis face shows a flash of anger. What must I do, Lady Yue?

For now, recover, Lady Yue says. I will protect you, and maybe even give you a few pointers. Then, when you are ready, I will take you to Star City.

Lan Xiaohui considers Lady Yues words and then glances toward me. I could understand what was on her mind. Our opportunity to see the center of this forests formation had already passed us by.

Do as she asks, I tell Lan Xiaohui. Another opportunity will come one day to study the formation.

Lan Xiaohui nods. Very well, Lady Yue.

Lady Yue smiles. The Martial Meeting allows only for two hundred disciples to compete for entrance into the Sect I will help you be selected as one of them. After this, it will be up to you. If you can score high enough to enter the Sect as a member of the Moon Court, I will take you as my disciple.

Lan Xiaohui lowers her head, staring at her own reflection. After a moment, she asks: Can you help me enter the Martial Tournament for the Core Disciples?

Lady Yue laughs at Lan Xiaohuis request; she laughs so hard that her beautiful face twists into a grotesque mockery of her beauty.

Once she calms down, she asks: Why?

There is someone I absolutely have to kill.

Lady Yues eyes gleam with a cold light. Who do you want to kill, little Lily?

Without hesitation, Lan Xiaohui replies: Yu Shun. The Black Tiger.

Lady Yue chuckles softly. I will arrange for you to duel him, but if you die, that is your own fault. I look forward to seeing how much the Heavens favor you, my little Lily.

Lan Xiaohui smiles darkly. Thank you, Lady Yue.