Chapter 52: One Victory, One Defeat, and a Request to Descend the Mountain

“A truly inconceivable concept. This unconstrained, wildly imaginative thinking has given me great inspiration.”

Guangling Zhenren stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming with genuine interest. “Your comprehension is exceptional. But tell me, how did you manage to make the Sword Qi continuous? The mental load should be crushing.”

Xiao Yifeng bowed respectfully. “It relies on a specific talent of mine. I possess a Divided Mind. It is akin to the mortal martial art of Ambidextrous Combat, where the left hand fights independently of the right. While maintaining the existing formation, I am simultaneously constructing the next one. As long as I lay them down fast enough, the activation appears endless.”

A ripple of shock went through the assembled Elders. Even Su Qianyi looked stunned.

They had already recognized his spiritual power control as superb, but they hadn’t expected his Divine Sense to be this powerful. To manipulate multiple formations with microscopic precision, all while in the heat of combat? It was unheard of for a Qi Condensation disciple.

To activate formations at such terrifying speed implied that his True Essence was shockingly deep—far beyond the norm for his realm.

The Zhenren looked at this imaginative, rock-solid disciple with newfound respect.

Baiyun Zhenren, the Master of Danding Hall, felt a pang of deep regret. This disciple… he belongs in my Alchemy Hall! That level of control? That innate Divine Sense? He was born for alchemy! To think I pushed him away back then…

Su Qianyi, on the other hand, felt his face glow with reflected glory. He puffed out his chest, basking in the envy of his peers.

After some technical inquiries, the Elders concluded that while the “Sword Inscription Technique” was viable, it required a monstrously powerful soul and microscopic control. Ordinary disciples wouldn’t be able to use it. However, for elite disciples with high cultivation and aptitude, it was an unexpected boon.

Guangling Zhenren, clearly satisfied, waved his hand. “Good. This inscription secret technique is practical and worthy of a high reward. Since you already possess a Middle Grade Immortal Sword, I shall grant you a Middle Grade Flying Artifact to complement it.”

A shimmering cloak materialized in his hand, which he tossed to Xiao Yifeng.

Xiao Yifeng caught it, momentarily stunned. A Middle Grade Immortal Sword? When did I—

He caught Lin Ziyun blinking at him and instantly understood. He quickly bowed. “Thank you, Guangling Zhenren, for the generous gift!”

“You may withdraw,” Guangling Zhenren said, nodding.

Xiao Yifeng acknowledged the order and retreated. From start to finish, he did not glance once at Liu Hanyan.

As he walked away, Su Miaoqing glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she quietly slipped away, trailing after Xiao Yifeng.

Lin Ziyun saw this and ground her teeth in frustration. That girl is becoming more and more unruly!

Below on the dueling platform, other disciples had already begun their matches. However, with Xiao Yifeng’s gem of a performance preceding them, the subsequent fights felt lackluster. They were exciting enough, but they lacked the soul-stirring, overwhelming dominance Xiao Yifeng had displayed.

With Xiao Yifeng gone, Su Qianyi sat with a face full of red light, practically radiating joy. His disciple had given him a massive face-saving victory.

He turned to Guangwei Zhenren, his voice dripping with faux politeness. “I must thank Senior Brother Guangwei and Senior Sister Guanghan on behalf of my unworthy disciple for the treasures.”

Guangwei Zhenren snorted coldly and tossed a fiery red longsword across the dais. He had noticed Xiao Yifeng used Fire Attribute techniques, so he didn’t petty enough to give a mismatched attribute. He could afford to lose.

Liu Hanyan’s expression remained as cold and tranquil as a frozen lake. She calmly tossed the Dragon-Patterned Jade Pendant over with perfect accuracy, even offering a slight nod and a faint smile.

This reaction left Su Qianyi utterly confused, like a monk scratching a bald head. She lost, so why is she smiling?

Standing behind her, the disciple understood. Her Master had lost the pendant intentionally. Master treats that disciple so well… but why was she so certain he would win?

“Your disciple is decent,” Guangwei Zhenren said with a forced chuckle. “Though it is a pity you probably can’t count on him for the Zhenwu Competition in two years.”

Su Qianyi, having his sore spot poked, smiled without humor. “Who knows? The future is long.”

Xiao Yifeng had intended to regroup with Ling Sisi and the others, but he hadn’t expected Su Miaoqing to follow him down the mountain path.

He looked at her eager face, eyes shining with the desire to explore. She must have begged her parents for ages to be let out today. His heart softened.

“Alright,” he said, smiling. “Let’s go for a walk.”

Far away in the crowd, Ling Sisi watched the two of them leave together. The light in her eyes dimmed.

Beside her, Lin Mi sighed softly and patted her shoulder. “Junior Sister Ling, don’t look so downcast. You are a True Disciple just like him. You still have a chance.”

Ling Sisi shook her head, forcing a smile. “Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister. I’m fine.”

Lin Mi didn’t know what else to say. To be fair, if she were a man, she would probably choose the beautiful, noble little princess too.

Then, a mischievous idea struck her. She leaned in, whispering loudly enough for Ling Sisi to hear. “It’s okay. At least you have one place where you’re bigger than her!”

Lin Mi’s eyes dropped pointedly to Ling Sisi’s chest.

Ling Sisi’s face turned crimson. “Senior Sister!”

She chased Lin Mi, trying to hit her, the momentary heartbreak forgotten amidst the laughter and embarrassment.

After accompanying Su Miaoqing on a day of crazy fun, Xiao Yifeng felt utterly exhausted—more tired than after his duel.

That evening, the disciples of Wuya Hall gathered for a celebratory feast.

News of Xiao Yifeng’s “Underdog Victory” and his post-battle breakthrough had spread like wildfire. The Senior Brothers surrounded him, teasing him mercilessly until he was forced to beg for surrender.

The raucous atmosphere quieted instantly when Su Qianyi and his family arrived.

Su Qianyi’s face was grave. He sat down and looked straight at Xiao Yifeng.

“Xiaofeng. Tell Master the truth. Where did you learn that Inscription Technique? Did you really create it yourself?”

Seeing his Master’s dark expression, Xiao Yifeng’s heart jumped. He quickly stood up. “Reporting to Master, this technique was indeed created by your disciple. I dare not hide anything.”

“Then why didn’t you tell us first?” Su Qianyi demanded. “Why did you let a precious technique leak to the other Halls?”

“I… I didn’t think it was anything special,” Xiao Yifeng stammered, improvising. “And I felt that besides myself, others couldn’t unleash its true power. This disciple knows he was wrong and is willing to accept punishment!”

Su Qianyi snorted coldly. “If this technique had remained exclusive to Wuya Hall, it would have left the others eating our dust! You caused our Hall to miss a massive opportunity. Do you understand?”

“It’s not entirely Xiaofeng’s fault,” Lin Ziyun interjected, trying to smooth things over. “He actually mentioned it to me once. But I thought the concept was too fantastical. I tried it, and the success rate was abysmal, so I didn’t take it seriously. It is my mistake.”

“Yeah, Dad!” Su Miaoqing chimed in. “Xiaofeng told me about it too.”

Su Qianyi stared at them, dumbfounded. “So… I was the only one who didn’t know?”

He sighed, exasperated. “You lot… letting such a secret leak. Even if the success rate is low, it is still a secret art! Sigh…”

Xiao Yifeng saw an opening and quickly smiled. “Master, actually… your disciple kept a trick up his sleeve. I didn’t tell the Sect Leader the key component. This is something I only recently comprehended.”

“Oh?” Su Qianyi perked up.

“The secret is to use one’s own blood for the carving,” Xiao Yifeng lied smoothly. “Because the blood and the cultivator are one, maintaining the spiritual flow becomes incredibly easy!”

Su Qianyi froze. He thought about it for a second, then his eyes lit up. He clapped his hands. “Wonderful! That makes perfect sense!”

He stood up, addressing the room with renewed authority. “Listen well! This blood-carving method must not be spread outside! It shall become a Secret Technique for the True Disciples of Wuya Hall. If I find out anyone has leaked it, don’t blame me for being impolite!”

The disciples, seeing his seriousness, hurriedly chorused their agreement.

In truth, this method was not created by Xiao Yifeng, nor did it require blood. It was created by a reclusive Formation Grandmaster a hundred years in the future.

The reason Xiao Yifeng had publicly claimed it—and explained the core principle to the Sect Leader—was to trigger the Heavenly Dao. As the “Originator” of a new path, the wider the technique spread, the more acknowledgment he would receive from the Heavens, increasing his Providence.

Even now, having explained it to the hall, he could feel a faint, mysterious aura winding around him—the blessing of an Originator.

Seeing the disciples promise secrecy, Su Qianyi finally relaxed.

The tension broke, and the hall returned to merriment.

“I didn’t expect it, Xiaofeng!” Xiang Tiange laughed, clapping him on the back. “You really came from behind! Breaking through to Qi Condensation Grand Perfection so quickly… you haven’t wasted Senior Brother’s guidance!”

“Indeed!” Cheng Yuanxing teased. “Who would have thought this iron tree wouldn’t bloom for a thousand years, but the moment it does, it bears fruit instantly!”

The hall erupted in laughter. Xiao Yifeng rubbed his nose, embarrassed. The Senior Brothers and Sisters clamored for him to teach them the secret to rapid breakthroughs.

Xiao Yifeng could only offer vague excuses. He couldn’t exactly tell them he was burning through Top Grade Spirit Stones like candy.

Su Miaoqing smacked him lightly on the head, grinning. “Not bad, Xiaofeng. I never realized you were a genius. You’ve almost caught up to me. Another two years and you might even surpass your Senior Sister, huh?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Xiao Yifeng said quickly. “It was just luck.”

“Xiaofeng has been a novice for eight years,” Lin Ziyun mused, looking at him with maternal pride. “The last to enter, yet you surpassed so many to reach Grand Perfection. But do not become arrogant. Cultivation is a long road.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Lin Ziyun suddenly straightened her face, raising her voice. “First Qing’er, then Xiaofeng. Both of the youngest are surpassing the old. Meanwhile, some of you Senior Brothers and Sisters are still marching in place. Aren’t you ashamed?”

The disciples groaned good-naturedly, promising to redouble their efforts.

Su Qianyi looked at Xiao Yifeng’s smiling face and couldn’t resist pouring a bucket of cold water over him. “Xiaofeng, do you really think you can compete with a Foundation Establishment cultivator? Do you think you can kill them in seconds?”

Xiao Yifeng wiped the smile from his face instantly. “Disciple does not dare. I know I used trickery. And… Li Lifang was only a Human Dao Foundation Establishment cultivator. That is why it seemed easy.”

Su Qianyi nodded, appeased by his humility. “It is good that you understand the chasm between Heavenly Dao and Human Dao Foundation Establishment. If you had encountered a Heavenly Dao cultivator today, you wouldn’t have withstood a single finger. Do not be so overconfident next time.”

“Exactly,” Su Miaoqing grinned. “If you fought me, I guarantee I’d beat you to a pulp!”

“You’re not even as good as Xiaofeng,” Lin Ziyun scolded, shaking her head. “You have a Heavenly Dao foundation, yet you can’t even control your own spiritual power properly.”

Su Miaoqing pouted, clearly disagreeing.

Xiao Yifeng fell silent for a moment. He looked up, his expression serious.

“Disciple understands his lack of strength. Although I am untalented, I wish to bring glory to Master and Mistress in the Zhenwu Rankings.”

He took a breath and stepped forward, bowing deeply.

“Disciple has a request. Now that I have luckily reached Qi Condensation Grand Perfection, I would like to ask Master and Mistress for permission to descend the mountain. I wish to travel to broaden my horizons, seek a Dharma Treasure that resonates with me, and find the opportunity to break through to Foundation Establishment!”