Chapter 23 – Little Girl, Do You Wish to Become My Disciple?

Amidst the towering mountain ranges, Li Zixuan tread lightly, nimbly stepping across the branches of the forest trees.

The gentle breeze brushed past her ears, tousling her hair, yet it could not conceal the excitement in her heart.

“I’m finally here!”

Li Zixuan closed her eyes, sensing the Sword Essence in the air. Ever since the mountain was cleaved apart that day, the valley had been filled with faint traces of Dao Essence.

It was clear just how profound the swordsman’s skill was.

What surprised her even more was that, throughout the long day, this moment of comprehending the Sword Essence was the only time she felt truly free—the only time the bodyguards sent by her family would allow her to be alone.

A sense of lightness, like a migratory bird leaving its nest, spread throughout her entire body.

It seemed as though even the heavy burden that had always weighed on her shoulders had lightened considerably.

In no time at all.

Li Zixuan arrived at the branch closest to Broken Peak.

Standing atop the tree, dressed in a white robe, she appeared detached from the world, quietly observing the cut surface above.

The summit of this thousand-year-old ancient pine was the closest and safest place to comprehend the Sword Essence.

Venturing further up the mountain would pose a life-threatening danger.

The surging Sword Intent was immense, like the undercurrents of the deep sea. Even after several days, it showed no signs of diminishing. Even the dean of the Jianghai Martial Arts Academy dared not venture deeper.

How could she, merely at the eighth level of the Acquired Realm, possibly do so?

“Such terrifying strength. As expected of a senior—even my teacher cannot approach.”

Li Zixuan focused her mind, sensing the powerful aura of the Sword Dao, her admiration for that senior growing even stronger.

The surface of Broken Peak was smooth and even, with a gentle breeze blowing across it.

What should have been a harmless wind pressure had transformed into blades capable of slicing anyone who stepped into it into a thousand pieces, annihilating any intruder!

Faintly, she seemed to sense that this breeze… bore a subtle resemblance to the most fundamental Breeze Swordplay.

“Returning to simplicity… Could this be the ultimate meaning of the Sword Dao that my teacher often spoke of?”

Li Zixuan murmured softly. No matter how many times she witnessed it, she was always deeply awed.

What level of cultivation would one need to achieve to unleash such Sword Intent?

Pondering this question, she thought for a while, then slowly closed her eyes, quietly perceiving the Sword Intent to gain deeper insights.

At the same time, not far away.

Qin Yang, concealing his presence, had long since observed every move Li Zixuan made.

“Hiss… Could this girl really be my little fan?”

Earlier, when he extended his perception to investigate and saw the look in Li Zixuan’s eyes, Qin Yang was momentarily stunned.

He grew increasingly convinced of his earlier speculation.

“And judging by her expression, she’s deeply infatuated…”

Qin Yang stroked his chin, gradually forming a bold idea in his mind.

If he were to appear before Li Zixuan as the so-called “Sword Dao expert,” wouldn’t she immediately bow down and pledge allegiance?

The future Empress, bowing to a mere Innate Realm nobody like me?!

Wouldn’t that damn system be scared out of its wits on the spot?

“Not bad, not bad. This is a great idea. It’s logical, and I can ruthlessly exploit the rewards from that damn system!”

Qin Yang patiently waited for Li Zixuan to finish her contemplation, while also observing the surroundings, preparing to give her a big surprise.

……

A short while later.

As the setting sun descended, the bright moon hung atop the clouds.Li Zixuan slowly exhaled a turbid breath, focused her mind to steady her state, and finally completed her comprehension.

“Alright, let’s stop here for today.”

Noticing the late hour, she took out her phone from her bag and carefully snapped a few daily check-in photos.

The vanity typical of a young girl had taken over.

After taking a few pouty selfies, Li Zixuan immediately straightened her expression, reverting to her usual aloof demeanor as if she had done something shameful.

Tucking her phone into her pocket, she turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, at that moment!

A hoarse, aged voice suddenly echoed in her ears!

“Not bad, little girl… your comprehension is quite impressive…”

The unfamiliar voice was ethereal and elusive, its origin shifting unpredictably, as if it came from everywhere at once.

This was a secret sound transmission technique that could only be performed by those in the Innate Realm—a method Qin Yang had casually figured out while idly pondering before.

Though nearly useless in combat, a mere trivial trick, it had finally found a use today.

The sudden voice immediately put Li Zixuan on high alert.

“Who goes there, esteemed expert? Please show yourself!”

Her heart fluttering with panic, Li Zixuan gripped her longsword and scanned her surroundings.

The evening breeze swept through the valley’s trees, rustling pine needles into a cacophony of noise.

At this moment, the mountains were filled with top experts at the late stages of the Acquired Realm, yet the other party had entered undetected—a testament to their terrifying strength!

“Do not panic, this old man means no harm.”

Qin Yang, employing the Seven-Star Dragon Step, appeared before Li Zixuan in an instant.

However…

He was now clad in a black robe, wearing a bamboo hat that obscured most of his face. Under the cold moonlight, no features were visible.

Even his voice sounded weathered, like that of an elderly man nearing the end of his days.

The two stood atop separate treetops, facing each other in a standoff.

Li Zixuan stared at the suddenly appeared black-robed man, feeling a wave of trepidation.

The ability to transmit sound secretly indicated that the other party’s level had surpassed the Innate Realm—how could she, at the Acquired Realm Eighth Layer, possibly contend with them?

Since when did such a figure appear in Jianghai City?

After a long pause, Li Zixuan cupped her hands and said tremulously, “Esteemed senior, your presence honors us. May I ask what instructions you have?”

“I…”

Qin Yang opened his mouth to speak, about to bring up the matter of taking her as his disciple.

But the next moment, a “ding” sounded in his mind.

“Ding! Detected the Empress is right before you. Host, quickly kneel and bow to acknowledge her as your master! This opportunity must not be missed!”

The noisy system cawed like an annoying crow.

Qin Yang: “…”

The words he had been about to utter were cut off by the system’s interruption.

Damn system, can’t you have a little more dignity?

Can’t you see I’m about to make the Empress acknowledge me as her master?!

Qin Yang couldn’t help but complain internally, his frustration boiling over.

“Senior, have I… have I offended you in some way?”

Across from him, Li Zixuan, seeing Qin Yang hesitate mid-sentence, grew anxious and asked fearfully.

“No, it’s just that the wind is rather clamorous.”

Frowning, Qin Yang gazed at the gentle breeze wafting from Broken Peak, the mountain wind howling in his ears only adding to his irritation.

But he couldn’t vent his anger, so he directed his displeasure—sparked by the system—toward the mountain wind instead.As soon as the words fell, Li Zixuan across from him froze for a moment, somewhat unable to believe it. The mountain breeze represented Sword Intent, something even her own teacher regarded as a priceless treasure. How could it be dismissed as mere noise in the words of this senior?

Yet, in the next instant, an even more shocking scene unfolded before her!

She saw Qin Yang mutter “Quiet down” and suddenly wave his hand toward the Broken Peak.

Immediately after!

The fierce and terrifying Sword Intent of the breeze dissolved as if meeting water, vanishing completely.

In an instant, the mountains fell silent.

Not a single gust of clamorous wind could be heard.

From then on, the wilderness was utterly soundless!

“How is this possible?!”

Li Zixuan widened her eyes, feeling as though all her understanding had been completely overturned.

Such divine skill—who else but the master who had once severed the peak with a single sword could achieve this?!

“You… you… are you…?”

Li Zixuan stammered, too excited to form a complete sentence, as if she had lost her soul.

To meet the idol she had longed for day and night on this very night—how could she not be thrilled and exhilarated?!

“Indeed, it is I.”

Qin Yang nodded slightly, seeing the timing was ripe, and smoothly continued:

“Little girl, I observe that your bones are uncommonly gifted. Would you… be willing to take me as your teacher?”

(End of Chapter)