Martial Cultivator

"Have you heard of the Drooping Cloud Sect?"

Lin Yin watched the group of cultivators gradually disappear into the distance before finally looking away and smiling. "Speaking of which, this Drooping Cloud Sect is quite interesting. Can you imagine that a woman named Zhang Wantang is actually the sect master of Drooping Cloud Sect?"

Chen Chao furrowed his brows, then laughed. "Although it's not common for a woman to lead a sect, it's not so rare that there wouldn't be one or two here and there, right?"

Lin Yin chuckled. "It's not strange that a woman became the sect master, it's her story that's peculiar. She was originally the legitimate daughter of the Zhang Family in White Deer Prefecture. From a young age, she showed an impressive talent for cultivation and was later taken into the Drooping Cloud Sect by the sect master. Soon enough, many disciples in the sect wanted to become her Dao companion, including the sect master's most favored legitimate son. If things had gone as expected, she would have become the next sect master's wife before long. But, unexpectedly, she chose an illegitimate son instead and even helped him become the sect master. Honestly speaking, he was considered outstanding too, but Drooping Cloud Sect continued its decline, so she had to step up and take over. Initially, no one believed in her, but now she's truly brought new life to a sect that was on the verge of collapse. Isn't that an impressive achievement?"

Chen Chao nodded and praised, "It's indeed remarkable."

Lin Yin smiled and said, "There are many women called ‘celestial fairy’ in the foreign lands, and even a ranking list for them. She's on it too, though compared to others on the list, her talent may not be the highest. But in terms of resolve and decisiveness, she might outshine all the other celestial fairies combined."

When the topic of these so-called celestial fairies came up, Chen Chao remembered that he had indeed killed a few himself, so he merely smiled calmly.

Lin Yin added, "Since she’s come here herself, she must be determined to win. But it won't be that easy. Going along this time to watch the excitement, we might get to see a good show."

After finishing their tea, they noticed that the original group at the tea shop had long since departed. The two of them did not linger either and immediately rose to their feet. Since there was still some time before the Divine Water Mountain Villa's Immortal Spring Gathering, they were not in any rush to travel, especially since it was only eight hundred miles away.

Along the way, the two chatted quite a bit. Lin Yin was a native of White Deer Prefecture who grew up here, having never left this region in his life. He was quite knowledgeable about the local customs and had no shortage of things to talk about.

"From Brother Chen's accent, you don't sound like a native of White Deer?"

"I'm from Wei Prefecture."

"White Deer Prefecture has plenty of scholars, which gives it a more literary atmosphere. But if we're comparing the level and number of cultivators, it falls short of Qingshan Prefecture. The neighboring Yellow Dragon Prefecture is famous for its sword cultivators, so by comparison, White Deer really doesn't have many notable cultivators. We're lucky to have Deercry Monastery, the leader of Buddhism, but these monks are so low-profile that every time I meet outsiders, I have nothing to talk about."

Lin Yin rambled on, reminding Chen Chao somewhat of when he met Yu Xiyi back then.

"That incident at Clearwater Mountain last time actually brought disgrace to White Deer Prefecture. However, that young martial artist's reputation didn't suffer much here because of it. The actions of those beasts on that mountain were simply too appalling. Honestly, privately, I'd still applaud the guy, though I wouldn't dare say a good word about him in front of outsiders."

Lin Yin laughed heartily. "It's just between you and me, Brother Chen."

Chen Chao merely smiled in response and then said, "If we're speaking of talent, hasn't White Deer Prefecture produced a pretty decent genius?"

Lin Yin paused, asking curiously. "Who?"

"White Deer's Xie Clan?"

Chen Chao just smiled faintly.

"Yes, yes, I almost forgot about that! That genius daughter from the Xie Clan, although she's currently in the Divine Capital, she is indeed from our White Deer Prefecture. I heard she's not only the academy Dean's final disciple, but also a rare sword cultivator with as many as nine lifeblood flying swords. I don't know if it’s true, but if it is, then when she reaches mastery in her cultivation, she might crush all sword cultivators under the heavens until they can't lift their heads. Speaking of sword cultivators, Brother Chen, do you know about the Sword Sect's Sect Master?"

Lin Yin's mind jumped topics quickly, and he was soon discussing the Sword Sect's Sect Master.

Chen Chao nodded. "It’s said that the Sword Sect's Sect Master is currently in the mortal world comprehending the sword. There are wild rumors that the sword art he's comprehending has already surpassed Nepenthe."

Lin Yin spoke with yearning. "Exactly, he's said to be the number one sword cultivator in the world, a Great Sword Immortal in the true sense. If he truly comprehends this sword art, I don't know who on earth could withstand it. If you ask me, after he comprehends that sword, he should go straight to the demon territories and slay the Demon Emperor. Such an accomplishment would be unparalleled, and he'd leave his name in the annals of history forever."

Chen Chao just smiled in response.

In the days that followed, the two strolled at a leisurely pace. Finally, at dusk, they arrived at the foot of a green mountain.

From a distance, they could catch glimpses of the scenery atop the mountain, where a grand villa was built against the mountainside. Its impressive scale was awe-inspiring at a glance.

The two stopped briefly at the foot of the mountain before beginning their ascent.

There were still two days left until the Immortal Spring Gathering, but already there were plenty of cultivators on the mountain path. Besides those sects with decent strength looking to recruit disciples, most cultivators had come for the immortal spring of the Immortal Spring Gathering.

The path up the mountain was crowded. Chen Chao was not in a hurry, but Lin Yin shook his head and said, "We should head up early. Judging by the crowd, I'm afraid there'll be no place left to stay by the time we go up, and we won't get our share of the immortal spring water."

Chen Chao had no choice but to follow Lin Yin as they hurried up the mountain. Although Lin Yin's cultivation realm was not low, he was only at the Bitter Sea Realm, while Chen Chao revealed an even lower cultivation realm. Lin Yin grabbed this newly acquainted friend by the sleeve and led him through the crowd up the mountain path until they finally arrived at the entrance of Shenshui Villa.

At the entrance, the villa's steward glanced at the two of them and was noticeably more courteous to Lin Yin. When arranging accommodations, the steward assigned Lin Yin a scenic bamboo pavilion. However, when it came to Chen Chao, his attitude seemed a lot more indifferent and perfunctory.

The steward initially planned to place Chen Chao in a rather basic lodging, but Lin Yin noticed the steward's disdain and said with a smile, “This person is a friend of mine, although he's young, he isn't lacking in potential, it's just that he’s a bit too playful. His father often sighs, wondering how he'll ever take on the family's massive business if he continues to lack ambition.”

Upon hearing this, the steward immediately smiled and said, “There's a long road ahead. This young sir seems like someone who builds a solid foundation before succeeding.”

With these words, the steward quickly exchanged the basic accommodation authorization proof in his hand for a better one and handed it to Chen Chao. A sly fox like him naturally recognized the value of connecting with the right people.

After thanking the steward, Chen Chao was ready to follow the villa's steward to his lodging. But soon, he heard a commotion behind him.

“We're here to recruit disciples, and you expect us to stay in a place like this?!”

Turning around, Chen Chao saw that it was precisely that group of cultivators who had previously given him dismissive looks. Among them was a woman with a sword hanging at her waist, he still remembered her very clearly.

The villa's steward offered an apologetic smile and clasped his hands as he said, "My apologies to all of you. The lakeside accommodations are indeed fully occupied. Would you mind accepting a less ideal place for now? Later, I'll report this to the villa master, who will personally offer an apology."

Before the others could respond, the woman in white locked her gaze on Chen Chao. "Actually, it's simple, just have that guy switch places with us."

The steward looked troubled. This group indeed hailed from a medium-sized sect within White Deer Prefecture. While the Divine Water Mountain Villa would not normally pay them much mind, in these turbulent times, they preferred to avoid making new enemies.

Seeing the steward's dilemma, Chen Chao smiled and said, "In that case, I'll switch with fellow daoists."

Hearing this, the woman in white laughed coldly. "At least you know when to back down."

A hint of disappointment flickered across the steward's face. He had hoped to gauge Chen Chao's reaction; if Chen Chao showed no fear of these people, it might indicate that his sect was more powerful. But now, Chen Chao's show of weakness made the steward feel somewhat let down.

Handing over his authorization proof without further comment, Chen Chao took the new one and continued walking into the villa.

Lin Yin, who had been observing from a distance, saw Chen Chao approach and offered an embarrassed smile.

Chen Chao shook his head, understanding Lin Yin's situation. Although Lin Yin's cultivation realm was not low, he was ultimately just an itinerant cultivator. He would have to weigh whether or not to become enemies with these cultivators backed by a sect.

Initially, their lodgings were close to one another, but now they had to head to their separate accommodations.

Chen Chao followed a villa servant to a secluded courtyard within the villa grounds. Although the view was less impressive, it suited Chen Chao just fine.

After the servant escorted him to the entrance and gave a few instructions, he left on his own.

After noting his lodgings, Chen Chao was in no hurry to rest, but instead wandered around. Over the years, Divine Water Mountain Villa had gradually become deserted. But now, thanks to the Immortal Spring Gathering, it was once again bustling with visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.

Chen Chao arrived at the lakeside, stopping in a secluded corner where he could observe the layout of the villa and ponder where the Immortal Spring might be located.

Although he was not particularly covetous of it, he was curious about the spring said to capture the essence of heaven and earth.

Many cultivators passed by the lakeside, with some reuniting and catching up with familiar faces, exchanging greetings with smiles. Those sects that came under the pretense of recruiting disciples, while actually aiming for the immortal spring, were not so straightforward. Their conversations were full of veiled barbs and hidden intentions, displaying the diverse interactions among people here.

Chen Chao scanned the area, wondering if he had spotted any familiar faces, and soon enough, he did.

By the lakeside in the distance stood a woman with a sword on her back, exuding an ethereal aura like that of a celestial fairy.

Even without seeing her face, Chen Chao immediately recognized her.

Of course, it was not because of the woman herself, but due to the sword she carried.

That flying sword was named Red Candle.

That woman with the sword on her back was naturally an old friend.