Chapter 54
Putting away the jade pendant, Heng Yu returned to her room.
She smelled the faint sandalwood scent clinging to her clothes from Liaowu’s room.
The intricately carved wooden hairpin lay on the table. Heng Yu picked it up and tied up her hair, looking at her reflection in the distant mirror.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, she clenched her right hand, feeling the surge of spiritual energy within her.
“At this rate, I should be able to completely refine this spiritual energy in four or five days.”
“I’ll stay in my room for the next few days, cultivating and studying formations, preparing for the Dharma Assembly.”
After muttering to herself, Heng Yu closed her eyes and began cultivating.
Time flew by. On the eve of their arrival at the Sword Sect, Heng Yu finally refined all the spiritual energy, strengthening her foundation.
Inside the quiet room, she slowly opened her eyes.
It was late at night, and the room was dark. Heng Yu snapped her fingers, and the candle on the table lit up, illuminating the room.
She clenched her fists, sensing the concentration of spiritual energy in her dantian.
“I’m just a hair’s breadth away from Nascent Soul now.”
“After the Dharma Assembly, I’ll find a place to seclude myself and strive to break through as soon as possible. Peak Foundation Establishment was enough in the Undying Sect’s territory, but in the Central Continent, with its abundance of talented cultivators, Nascent Soul is safer.”
Heng Yu had already decided on her next steps.
Of course, she hadn’t considered Liaowu in her plans, because she knew he would be with her.
Breaking through to Nascent Soul was dangerous and required facing one’s inner demons. Traveling alone, without her sect to protect her, Liaowu wouldn’t let her find a place to break through by herself.
She was more worried about another matter — “I wonder how many admiration points I need to reach Nascent Soul.”
She had used over a thousand points to go from late Foundation Establishment to the peak.
Reaching Nascent Soul would require several thousand, perhaps even tens of thousands. Her current four thousand points might not be enough.
Heng Yu smiled faintly. “It seems I’ll have to give it my all at the Dharma Assembly.”
This Dharma Assembly was a grand event for the younger generation of the Canglan Continent.
Outstanding individuals of the same generation would compete and exchange ideas. The competitions weren’t limited to arena battles but took various forms.
The most talented cultivators would naturally stand out, their names spreading throughout the continent.
If she could make a name for herself at the assembly, she would definitely gain a lot of admiration points.
Someone as poor in admiration points as her had to seize this opportunity!
As Heng Yu finished her thoughts, she noticed the first light of dawn outside — it was almost morning.
The airship’s speed had also slowed down, indicating they were nearing the Sword Sect’s territory.
Heng Yu stretched and got up to change.
She rummaged through her storage ring and chose a vibrant red dress with lifelike Hehuan flowers embroidered on the hem.
She chose this dress not only for its beauty but also because the Hehuan flower pattern represented her sect.
As a young master of the Hehuan Sect, representing her sect at the Dharma Assembly, she had to dress appropriately.
After changing, Heng Yu let down her hair, stood before the bronze mirror, and quickly braided it into a simple yet elegant style.
The airship not only slowed down but also began to descend.
Liaowu, waking up from his cultivation, tidied up his room and went out, intending to wait on deck.
Leaving his room, he naturally walked to Heng Yu’s door and knocked gently.
The door opened quickly.
Liaowu, accustomed to seeing her in Daoist robes or simple dresses, was now captivated by her stunning red dress.
Before she could speak, he complimented her with a smile, “This dress suits you very much, Lord Luo.”
Heng Yu smiled faintly and gave him an approving look.
—She hadn’t even hinted, and he had already complimented her. This Buddha-son was truly making progress.
“Let’s go to the deck,” Heng Yu said.
Liaowu stepped aside, letting her out, and then walked beside her through the narrow corridor.
Soon, they reached the deck.
Many disciples were already there. The Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul disciples maintained their composure, while the Qi Refining disciples, led by Liaonian, were leaning over the railing, looking at the Sword Sect below.
Liaoyuan, bored, leaned against the railing.
He casually glanced over and noticed Heng Yu emerging from the cabin, his gaze drawn to her.
Pure admiration filled his eyes.
Heng Yu noticed his gaze and glanced at him.
Their eyes met briefly, then they both looked away.
“Let’s go and see the Sword Sect,” Heng Yu said to Liaowu.
They walked to an empty corner and looked out at the Sword Sect —
The Hehuan Sect was located in a scenic area of the Central Continent, pursuing the path of immortality through dual cultivation.
The Undying Sect was in the northwest, in the Endless Desert, seeking immortality through Buddhism.
Now, before them, were endless white jade steps. Atop these steps stood the Sword Sect, its sword intent piercing the heavens.
The Sword Sect had dominated the Canglan Continent for millennia, its history filled with legends and countless heroes. Just looking at it from afar inspired awe.
Although Heng Yu felt no reverence, she was still impressed by this magnificent sight.
Just then, the barrier around the airship rippled, as if encountering resistance.
Someone in the Sword Sect noticed the disturbance. An elder with a sword on his back flew up, saw the airship, and quickly identified Master Yuanxin, bowing with a gesture. “So it’s Fellow Daoist Yuanxin of the Undying Sect. Welcome.”
“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Chen,” Yuanxin returned the greeting with his hands joined together.
They were acquainted.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Sword Sect elder took out a token, activated a formation, and allowed the airship to enter the Sword Sect’s territory.
The airship landed on a large platform in front of the mountain gate.
This platform was vast, specifically built for airships. Besides the Undying Sect’s airship, there were many others of various sizes.
Just looking at the numerous airships, one could imagine the scale of this Dharma Assembly.
The elder flew over to Yuanxin and greeted him warmly. “Fellow Daoists from other sects have also arrived. They’re currently discussing the Dao in the main hall. Allow me to escort you there, Fellow Daoist Yuanxin.”
Yuanxin agreed.
He looked around, his gaze finally settling on Liaowu and Liaoyuan. “I leave these disciples in your care. If any trouble arises, you two will be held responsible.”
Faced with Yuanxin’s instructions, even the usually playful Liaoyuan became serious and bowed respectfully. “Yes, Elder.”
Liaowu also bowed. “Yes, Elder.”
Yuanxin nodded in satisfaction. The Dharma Assembly was a competition for the younger generation; he naturally couldn’t interfere.
After looking at the disciples again, Yuanxin left with the Sword Sect elder.
After they left, the Undying Sect disciples began whispering excitedly.
Most of them were visiting the Sword Sect, or even traveling so far from home, for the first time. Their excitement was understandable. They hadn’t dared to express their true feelings in front of the two Nascent Soul cultivators, but now that they were gone, they relaxed.
Amidst the chatter, several Sword Sect inner disciples walked towards Liaowu.
The leader was a handsome man with sharp eyebrows and eyes, his white and black Sword Sect inner disciple robes fitting him perfectly. He carried a heavy sword on his back, larger and heavier than ordinary swords.
Heng Yu guessed his identity.
His introduction confirmed her guess.
“Yu Xia of the Sword Sect, greetings to all Fellow Daoists,” Yu Xia bowed, a friendly smile on his face.
There was only one inner disciple in the Sword Sect who specialized in heavy swords, and that was Yu Xia, the chief disciple.
Heng Yu knew this because he was Wu Mei’s target.
Liaowu and Liaoyuan returned the greeting with their hands joined together and introduced themselves.
Heng Yu bowed with a gesture. “Luo Heng Yu of the Hehuan Sect, greetings to Fellow Daoist Yu.”
Hearing her introduction, Yu Xia remained calm, not surprised. “I’ve heard of you, Lord Luo.”
Heng Yu smiled. “Did you hear about me from Wu Mei?”
When she mentioned “Wu Mei,” Heng Yu noticed that the inner disciples behind Yu Xia looked uncomfortable, their expressions showing… anger.
Heng Yu guessed that Wu Mei had caused some trouble in the Sword Sect, but she didn’t show any reaction.
In contrast, Yu Xia’s expression remained natural.
He waved his hand and smiled. “Not exactly, but I did hear from Lord Mei that Lord Luo is currently traveling with Fellow Daoists from the Undying Sect.”
After answering Heng Yu, Yu Xia turned to Liaowu and gestured invitingly. “The Undying Sect’s accommodations have been arranged. Allow me to escort you there. The Hehuan Sect’s accommodations are nearby, so Lord Luo can come along as well.”
This was the Sword Sect’s territory, and their arrangements were reasonable, so Liaowu had no objections.
Yu Xia led the way, with Liaowu walking beside him.
As they walked, Yu Xia described the Sword Sect’s scenery.
Reaching a cluster of bamboo houses, Yu Xia smiled and said to Liaowu, “Here we are. These bamboo houses are all for the Undying Sect. You can arrange the specific rooms yourselves. It’s not appropriate for the Sword Sect to interfere.”
Seeing Liaowu nod in agreement, Yu Xia bowed. “The Sect Leader has entrusted me with receiving guests. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. If Buddha-son Liaowu needs anything, you can send me a message. As long as I’m not cultivating, I’ll come immediately.”
“Thank you for your trouble,” Liaowu replied gently.
After Yu Xia and the others left, Liaowu extended his divine sense, quickly counted the number of bamboo houses, and began assigning rooms to the disciples.
His prestige in both the Undying Sect and the Buddhist sect was very high, so no one questioned his arrangements, which were fair and reasonable.
After arranging the ordinary disciples’ accommodations, Liaowu turned to Liaoyuan and said gently, “Liaoyuan, choose one of the two bamboo houses in the front row.”
The remaining one would naturally be his.
Liaoyuan raised an eyebrow and casually agreed.
He rested his hands behind his head, knowing Liaowu still had things to discuss with Heng Yu, and smiled, not wanting to intrude. “Then I’ll take the one on the left. There’s no difference anyway.” He walked towards the leftmost bamboo house.
After everyone dispersed, Liaowu turned to Heng Yu, who was sitting lazily nearby.
He walked over to her and bent down slightly. “The Hehuan Sect’s accommodations are next door. This poor monk will escort Lord Luo there.”
As a representative of her sect, she naturally had to stay with the other Hehuan Sect disciples.
Heng Yu knew this and stood up, gesturing with her chin, her eyes bright. “Lead the way.”
Liaowu smiled faintly and led her towards a cluster of wooden houses surrounded by purple irises.
Although he said “next door,” it was actually quite a distance away.
This was probably the Sword Sect’s way of preventing conflicts between the different sects. Such precautions were common during Dharma Assemblies. Although the Canglan Continent was generally peaceful, conflicts were inevitable in the cultivation world, where strength reigned supreme. Private duels were common and difficult to prevent.
“Will you be very busy every day during the Dharma Assembly?”
“Probably. Although this poor monk doesn’t care about winning or losing, I still have to bring honor to the sect. And I also need to protect the disciples,” Liaowu replied.
“Then—” Heng Yu looked up at him.
“Hmm?”
“I’ll be busy too,” Heng Yu smiled.
Liaowu smiled back.
He and Heng Yu were opposites. She was adept at reading people, while he wasn’t. But after spending time together, he could often understand her intentions from a single look or a subtle hint, without her needing to explain explicitly.
“If Lord Luo doesn’t intend to stay with your fellow disciples, why not join this poor monk? We can look out for each other.”
Heng Yu snapped her fingers, pleased with his understanding. “I don’t mind at all.”
The wooden houses were now close. Liaowu stopped at the edge of the iris field.
He joined his hands together, the cinnabar mole between his eyebrows making his eyes seem slightly flushed. Although he was ethereal, he was also strangely alluring.
“We’ve arrived. This poor monk will take his leave now.”
Heng Yu stood there, watching him leave.
After he was out of sight, she turned around, about to enter the wooden houses hidden among the irises, when she heard a sharp whistling sound.
Heng Yu raised her right hand and caught a fourth-grade spiritual fruit in midair.
She casually wiped it and took a large bite. The fruit was crisp and sweet, surprisingly delicious.
After swallowing, Heng Yu looked up at the person who had thrown the fruit.
The man standing in front of the wooden houses had striking features and a cold, aloof aura, like moonlight frost.
If one didn’t know his identity, they wouldn’t have guessed that such a holy and elegant man, seemingly a symbol of light, would have the highest admiration value among the younger generation of the Hehuan Sect.
“Lord Chi, it’s been a while,” Heng Yu greeted him.
Chi smiled brightly, a halo seemingly appearing behind him. “I’ve been anticipating Lord Luo’s arrival. It’s been a year since we last saw each other at the sect, but Lord Luo is as captivating as ever.”
Heng Yu walked through the field of irises.
Her movements were graceful, her red dress swirling around her like blooming Hehuan flowers, their fragrance alluring.
She knew Chi had always been interested in the original body, wanting to pursue her.
However, the original body had never reciprocated.
Heng Yu naturally wasn’t interested in him either.
She walked up to Chi and smiled brightly.
The cold and aloof beauty’s sudden smile stunned even Chi, a seasoned player.
As he was momentarily mesmerized, Heng Yu asked, “Where is my room?”
Chi smiled gently. “Right next to mine.”
Heng Yu wasn’t swayed.
She looked around. “It seems not everyone has arrived yet. I’ll just find a room myself.”
The light in Chi’s star-like eyes dimmed instantly.
He didn’t say anything, just stared at her, his previously cheerful expression replaced by a look of utter dejection, like an abandoned puppy, more pitiful than threatening.
Heng Yu clicked her tongue inwardly. This cultivation world wasn’t lacking in Oscar-worthy actors.
Liaoyuan and now Chi, both the same.
Heng Yu feigned indifference and waved her hand, walking towards the innermost wooden house. “Since Lord Chi has nothing else to say, I’ll take my leave.”
Entering the house, Heng Yu casually glanced back and saw Chi still standing there, watching her. Her sharp eyes could discern his expression even from this distance —
He still looked slightly sad.
He was truly committed to his act.
Thinking this, Heng Yu smiled and opened the door to the wooden house.
Only after she was completely out of sight did Chi’s sad expression disappear.
He stroked an iris flower, a playful smile on his face. “Judging by Lord Luo and the Buddha-son’s interaction, her mission is progressing much smoother than I expected. It seems I underestimated her.”
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