Chapter 8: Emerging from Seclusion! A Conversation Between Master and Disciple!

Here, every flower, every blade of grass, every tree, and every grove, with white clouds drifting across the mountaintop, the spiritual energy was far denser than outside.

“Qian’er, this will be your residence from now on. Our Tongtian Peak is not like the other six branches. The other six assign disciples to their respective peaks to cultivate alone, and only once they have achieved something do they venture out to temper themselves. But Tongtian Peak is different; we do not constrain our disciples. Your cultivation from now on will depend upon yourself. If you do not understand something, you may come and ask me. I have observed that your physique is firmer and more resilient than Xiao Fan’s or Jing Yu’s. Have you practiced any body-strengthening techniques before?” Dao Xuan led Qian Mo to her new home and explained, then examined her body as he spoke.

“Yes, Master. I once saved an old man who was very kind to me. Before he left, he taught me a set of body cultivation methods. I’ve been practicing them ever since. I don’t know anything else though, so I hope Master can teach me some techniques and secret arts.” Qian Mo scratched her head sheepishly.

“So that’s how it is. No wonder your body is stronger than most. This is a good thing; it lays a solid foundation for your future. Next, I will pass on to you a secret mental art and a cultivation technique.” Dao Xuan’s expression cleared as he spoke.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Master!” Qian Mo bowed to Dao Xuan.

“This secret art is called Jade Heart Method, the foundational skill of our Peak. It can strengthen the body and condense spiritual energy. Mastering it to a certain level, you can even manipulate objects. This technique is the Divine Sword Commanding Thunder True Art, an offensive skill forbidden to outsiders. Only disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect may learn it, for it wields the power of wild thunder. These two will suffice for you now; I’ll teach you more when you’ve mastered these.” Dao Xuan took out the two techniques and instilled them directly into Qian Mo’s mind.

“Thank you, Master!” Qian Mo bowed once more, this time truly grateful. In fact, having a powerful teacher was quite advantageous—at least until she grew strong enough herself, she would have someone to rely on.

“Good! You may go cultivate now. I have some matters to attend to.” Dao Xuan looked at Qian Mo with satisfaction before departing.

“Yes, Master!” Qian Mo watched as Dao Xuan’s figure slowly faded from sight.

After arranging her belongings, Qian Mo sat cross-legged and circulated her spiritual energy, consolidating her foundation. Advancing too swiftly without a stable base could hinder future progress, or even cause her cultivation to stagnate. She was not too worried, though, since with the system in hand, everything could be managed. Still, cultivation was ultimately her own; relying on others—even the system—was not truly beneficial.

...

Time spent in cultivation always passes fastest; as the saying goes, close your eyes for a moment, and two years have flown by.

Indeed, it had been two years since Qian Mo secluded herself to consolidate her cultivation.

In the room, the spiritual energy around Qian Mo slowly dissipated. She opened her eyes from her meditation. “Whew! Finally, it’s done! My cultivation is now truly my own, my foundation is firm, and I need not worry about future rapid progress. System, how long have I been in seclusion?”

“According to the system’s calculations, two years have passed since the host began seclusion,” came the system’s cold, mechanical reply.

“What? Two years? You’re not lying to me, are you? It only felt like a few minutes!” Qian Mo was astonished.

“This system does not lie to the host, nor does it deceive,” came the emotionless reply.

“Uh, alright then. So this is what it feels like for cultivators in seclusion—no wonder time slips by unnoticed. It’s not something that can be forced. Anyway, after two years, I should go out and take a look. Since joining the Azure Cloud Sect, I haven’t really explored the scenery here.” With that, Qian Mo stood, dusted off her clothes, opened the door, and stepped outside.

A figure soared toward her—it was none other than Dao Xuan. “Oh? Qian’er, you’re out of seclusion. How do you feel?”

Qian Mo bowed her head respectfully. “Master, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve only just broken through to the fifth level of Jade Purity.”

Dao Xuan’s gaze swept over her, shock written on his face. “Hmm, it’s alright, you’re still young and have plenty of time. Fifth level of Jade Purity—wait! You’ve reached the fifth level already?”

Inwardly, Dao Xuan thought, “Good heavens! Only two years under my tutelage and she’s already at the fifth level? And she’s ashamed? What does that make us old fellows, then? If she weren’t my disciple, I’d be tempted to smack her!”

Qian Mo saw her master’s sharp gaze fixed upon her and blushed. “Master, why are you staring at me like that? You’re making me shy.” Then, in a whisper, she muttered, “Besides, I prefer women, not men.”

But Dao Xuan was no ordinary person—at his advanced level, equivalent to a Battle Saint, he caught every word.

“Damn! She’s really asking for it. But I am the head of the Azure Cloud Sect, Dao Xuan the True One—how could I stoop to argue with a child, especially my own disciple? I might have lost my composure just now, but I must maintain a master’s dignity. Yes, that’s right—dignity, or else where is the authority?” Composing himself, Dao Xuan said with an air of gravity, “Ahem, not bad, you haven’t disappointed me. To reach the fifth level of Jade Purity in just two years is commendable! But—do not become arrogant over this. You must remember, there are many in this world stronger than you. At the fifth level, you must not be complacent.” He finished with an imposing tone, secretly delighted. “Excellent! That’s the feeling—a true teacher should be like this.”

Qian Mo shot Dao Xuan a look of disdain, thinking, “Seriously? This is the mighty Dao Xuan of the Azure Cloud Sect? If I hadn’t interacted with him, I’d never have known he could put on such an act—impressive! Since you’re being so serious, I’ll play along.”

She hastily made a respectful bow. “Indeed! Master’s words are wise. This disciple is slow-witted—though it has taken two years to reach the fifth level, it is nothing worth boasting of. In the presence of true experts, I am but an ant, easily crushed. I will remember Master’s teachings and humbly request permission to go out and experience the wider world, rather than remain here ignorant of all beyond. I beg for Master’s approval!”

“Hmm? Such a big reaction? I didn’t expect to sway my disciple so easily. But did she just call herself slow-witted for reaching the fifth level in two years? That’s rather hurtful! I really want to smack her!” He was a bit exasperated but kept his composure.

Dao Xuan calmed himself and replied, “Qian’er, since you have such thoughts, I am very pleased. I grant your request. Besides, you should seek a suitable weapon as well.”

“She’s really good at this. Sometimes I wonder if she transmigrated here too,” Qian Mo mused, but only said, “Thank you, Master! Before I set out, I would like to pay a visit to Xiao Fan and Jing Yu.”

“It’s been two years—indeed, you should see them. Go ahead,” Dao Xuan replied.

Qian Mo returned to her room, while Dao Xuan’s figure faded from the spot.

(End of chapter)