Chapter 130 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 130: Two Sword Cultivator
Translator: Lynn
As the black-clad man stepped forward, an aura of imposing gravity swept forth, capturing immediate attention and diverting the focus of the two individuals trailing behind him.
The youth, his hair a cascade of white, queried, “Is that Yun Lie?”
With a decisive nod, his companion responded, “He’s overseeing the disciple recruitment these days and it’s time for him to submit his report.”
Both of them were officers on the peak. The youth with a childlike visage and white hair was Yuan Taihe1His name is not Tao Yun, sorry for the mistranslation, possessing a mid-Golden Core cultivation level and ranking ninth among the Officers of Criminal Justice in Sixing Peak. The one with the resolute expression was Zeng Yi, whose cultivation reached the pinnacle of the mid-Golden Core stage, and he held a place among those overseeing criminal affairs. This duo held the sixth seat, renowned for their sword cultivation prowess.
A few days prior, news had reached them that youth at the late stage of Golden Core Formation had ascended to Sixing Peak with remarkable prowess. However, Sixing Peak abided by strict regulations, and initially, the responsibility that Yun Lie had assumed was overseen by the third-ranked Sixing.
In discussing Sixing Peak’s hierarchical structure, it’s worth noting its many tiers. Leaving aside the head of the punishment hall and the elder council members, the authority of punishment was distributed among forty-nine officials, all of whom were Golden Core stage monks. They were categorized into three classes.
The first class encompassed four individuals at the late stage of the Golden Core level. The second class comprised nine members at the middle stage of the Golden Core, while the third class included thirty-six individuals at the early stage of the Golden Core.
Even among the residents of Sixing Peak, not all of them practiced swordsmanship, and the higher one’s rank, the less frequent their intervention. Consequently, the most active participants were the thirty-six individuals occupying the third class.
Yuan Taihe and Zeng Yi belonged to the second tier. On ordinary days, they would only act when confronted with particularly complex cases or difficult matters. As such, they hadn’t had the opportunity to witness Yun Lie’s abilities firsthand.
Each was a prodigy in their own right, and Sixing Peak harbored a cohort of skilled sword cultivators. Learning that someone had mastered an invincible sword technique naturally piqued their interest. How could such news not reach Yun Lie’s ears?
However, most criminal officers led solitary lives, engrossed in personal cultivation and tasks. Interactions were a rarity. Although many were present when Yun Lie joined the Sixing Peak, that encounter could hardly be considered a true meeting. In terms of substantial contact, there had been little to none.
Having chanced upon this encounter, it was only natural for them to show heightened interest.
However, what piqued Yuan Taihe’s curiosity even more was that upon his emergence, Yun Lie didn’t spare a glance for the two living individuals; instead, he devoted his full attention to the figure under the tree, a person who might be either dead or alive—an oddity.
Word had it that this individual practiced the merciless art of the killing sword. Could it be that someone immersed in such a ruthless path also possessed concern?
Contemplating this, Yuan Taihe’s interest in exchanging pleasantries waned, prompting him to tug Zeng Yi aside, allowing the pair to stand at a distance.
Inquisitive, Zeng Yi queried, “What’s going on?”
Yuan Taihe, with a grin, replied, “Did you catch that?”
Acquainted with Yuan Taihe’s temperament after years of interaction, Zeng Yi knew better than to reply and simply observed as his companion continued watching.
Together, they witnessed Yun Lie step a few paces forward, halting about five or six steps away from the youth in the verdant shirt. And there, Yun Lie stood resolute and unyielding.
A chuckle escaped Yuan Taihe’s lips, “Is he acting as a guardian?”
Zeng Yi nodded in agreement, “Yun Lie doesn’t seem to match the rumors…” He frowned contemplatively, “… does he have hidden connections?”
Yuan Taihe’s grin broadened, “I’ve got my contacts.”
From their vantage point, they watched as the individual under the tree teetered on the brink of extreme duress.
His countenance alternated between pallid green and fiery red. In one moment, it appeared as if a surge of animosity would burst forth, while in the next, he exuded an air of composure, as though he were steeling himself against an onslaught, resembling an unyielding boulder.
No one dared to approach the Buddha Heart Tree near the execution hall. The heads hanging from its branches exuded either malevolence or lingering resentment, emotions that seemingly became ingrained within the wood itself.
While few were privy to the exact nature of the situation, it was common knowledge on Sixing Peak that, although there was no formal restriction near the Buddha Heart Tree, it was unwise to disregard it. To challenge it meant testing one’s mettle; success might lead to survival, failure, to death.
However, there were those who remained unaware.
For instance, individuals like Xu Ziqing and his peers, who had accompanied their senior colleagues to Sixing Peak for errands, or those who were directed here by their masters without specific guidance. Driven by their curiosity, they found themselves tempted to test the Buddha Heart Tree, but to no avail.
As for the reason the Buddha Heart Tree failed to attain spiritual sentience… The very name, Buddha Heart Tree, suggests that it bears a compassionate heart, dedicated to subduing demons and malevolence. Yet, it inherently grapples with the weight of its own moral dilemmas, suffering the torment of these wicked thoughts.
Nonetheless, mercy shone down from the heavens, and the spiritual wisdom within the Buddha Heart Tree was reclaimed, transforming it into a paragon among the trees. Devoid of spiritual wisdom, the troubles ceased. As long as its inherent instinct to suppress malevolence and malicious thoughts persisted, it would endure forever, undying and unquenchable.
Yuan Taihe cast a glance and suddenly remarked, “That young man possesses good aptitude; he seized the opportunity to make a breakthrough.” Typically, many disciples mistakenly influenced by the tree would recover on their own. However, they hadn’t anticipated someone adopting this approach, a rather audacious move.
There was a touch of admiration in Zeng Yi’s gaze, “Indeed, he is quite determined.”
Thus, due to this misunderstanding, a positive impression of Xu Ziqing took root within them. Unbeknownst to them, his willingness to undergo this trial was partially due to a mischievous demon vine nestled in his dantian, leaving him little choice.
Yet, regardless of the misunderstandings, their interactions led to this outcome, a sort of destiny unfolding.
Around half an hour later, the young man beneath the tree was brimming with energy, his aura fluctuating between rapid and slow, wavering and steadying. Suddenly, one fluctuation burst forth like shattered stained glass, leading to a natural advancement in his realm.
He had reached the middle stage of the foundation building.
His eyes opened, the azure luminescence gradually receding. Upon locking gazes with the stern man before him, the tranquility in his eyes transformed into turmoil, followed by a trace of embarrassment.
Observing this, Yuan Taihe couldn’t help but chuckle, finding the situation rather amusing.
Xu Ziqing eventually subdued the restlessness surging within him, managing to regain his composure.
Naturally, he should have focused on consolidating his recent breakthrough, given that he had just advanced in his cultivation. However, he couldn’t afford this luxury now. Thoughts of his shixiong’s return weighed heavily on his mind. If his shixiong were to witness his present state of affairs, the consequences would undoubtedly be dire.
Yet, to his surprise, when Xu Ziqing finally opened his eyes, he found Yun Lie standing right before him. A profound sense of shame enveloped him instantly.
Observing Xu Ziqing’s sheepish countenance, Yun Lie’s tone turned icy, “You’ve been reckless.”
With his head lowered, Xu Ziqing conceded, “Shixiong’s criticism is just. I was indeed careless.”
Most of the time, the situations he encountered weren’t perilous, causing his usual vigilance to waver. As a result, he let his guard down and directly touched the tree… It was an undeniable error that led to such consequences.
Yun Lie didn’t dwell on the matter further, instructing simply, “Come back with me.”
Xu Ziqing rose to his feet without a word, replying, “Yes, Yun Shixiong.” Inwardly, he let out a quiet sigh. His shixiong’s restrained reprimand was more disconcerting than harsh criticism, leaving him even more ashamed and uneasy.
As they departed, Yun Lie didn’t summon the puppet black vulture. Instead, he soared against the wind, and Xu Ziqing followed hastily, gripping tightly and ensuring he didn’t falter.
Upon their departure, they paid no heed to their surroundings, exchanging a fleeting glance.
“Are they just leaving like that?” Yuan Taihe suppressed a smile, his surprise evident as he added, “Two living individuals are here, yet Yun Lie didn’t seem to notice!”
Zeng Yi responded, “Maybe he just didn’t care.”
Yuan Taihe shook his head, “I thought I could finally deal with Yun Lie this time, see who he really is. But this guy, he’s acting like this… it’s like…”
Words seemed to fail him, so he trailed off with a smile.
Zeng Yi remarked, “It’s clear this person isn’t easy to approach. If we’re planning to compete, there’s no need to rush it.”
Yuan Taihe glanced at him, asking, “Don’t you want to compete with him?”
Zeng Yi responded calmly, “When the Sect Competition is held, I will have a chance to challenge him as a Golden Core Cultivator.”
Yuan Taihe considered this and suggested, “In that case, let’s quickly complete our current task.”
With their conversation concluded, they directed the black dragon in the opposite direction, making their way toward the entrance of the punishment hall.
The several hefty figures surrounded by the black dragon bore no discernible wounds, though they were all unconscious – a state likely induced by some unknown means.
Walking behind Yun Lie, Xu Ziqing was well aware of his mistake and engaged in a silent introspection.
Leading the way, Yun Lie’s gaze was fixed not on Xiaolu Peak, but on Xiaozhu Peak.
Initially surprised, Xu Ziqing soon found a glimmer of anticipation in his heart.
It had been two weeks since his entry into Wuling Immortal Gate, and his days were occupied with rigorous sword practice alongside his shixiong, leaving him little time to meet his master.
Despite Master Qiu He’s distinct constitution that prevented direct, basic instruction for Xu Ziqing, his commitment as a master was undeniable. His efforts on Xu Ziqing’s behalf were noteworthy.
Consequently, Xu Ziqing held profound respect for his master and even nurtured a sense of longing.
Upon their arrival at Xiaozhu Peak, Yun Lie’s sweeping sleeve triggered the activation of the mountain-guarding formation.
In a flash of golden and green light, they descended upon the mountainside.
Xiaozhu Peak boasted captivating scenery, with its mountainside arguably the most enchanting part.
A group of seven or eight women had been engaged in spellcasting and sword dance practices when they abruptly sensed a chill – the familiar sensation kindling their excitement.
One girl’s gaze lifted and locked onto the distant, icy figure of the man in black. In an instant, her complexion paled as she cried out, “Shixiong is here!” The remaining girls, equally delicate and cautious, aligned themselves on either side, standing in deference, one hand and one foot forward, offering unified greetings, “Shi, shixiong…”
Yun Lie advanced without uttering a word.
Xu Ziqing, a bit stunned, hurriedly followed, managing a sidelong glance left and right before warmly stating, “There’s no need to announce my presence. I can come in with shixiong, he said, his voice conveying a gentle tone.
A bolder one among the group lifted her head, noting that the senior brother had moved away while the new second senior brother remained, comforting them. At last, she mustered a smile and said, “Indeed, thank you, Second Shixiong.”
Numerous women approached, echoing in unison, “Thank you, Second Shixiong!” In an instant, it seemed they were about to swarm him.
This time, Xu Ziqing was caught off-guard. After offering a few hurried acknowledgments, he hastened to follow Yun Lie.
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1His name is not Tao Yun, sorry for the mistranslation