Chapter 300 - 206: Sword Peak

Chapter 300: Chapter 206: Sword Peak

"Not bad. It’s quite impressive to have achieved so much on your first trip down the mountain.

"In fact, I’ve already asked Zifeng and Zhenyang all about your performance. Zifeng had high praise for all of you, especially you, Lin Zhen. He spoke very highly of your talent; it seems you left a deep impression on him."

Lin Zhen said modestly,

"Senior Brother Huang is too kind."

"Yes, and besides Lin Zhen, Zifeng also gave special praise to one other person: Zhang Mountain."

Li Xingtuo continued,

"He said that although Zhang Mountain’s cultivation was initially the weakest, he showed no fear in actual combat. He learned something from every fight and grew very rapidly. He’s a rare talent for combat.

"Zhang Mountain, tell me, why do you think you performed so much better in battle than the others?"

As Li Xingtuo’s gaze fell upon him, Xie Yuan put on a simple, honest expression.

"Sect Leader, I don’t know. I just feel that when I see an enemy about to cut me down, my mind becomes much clearer, and my movements get a lot quicker."

"Oh? Is that right?"

Li Xingtuo said with a slight smile,

"In that case, you truly are a natural-born fighter."

He moved past that topic and continued,

"Based on Zifeng’s description alone, your performance against the bandits was commendable. It was especially remarkable given that it was your first time leaving the mountain and your first time fighting to kill.

"Furthermore, your choices later at the ruins and your coordination with Zifeng were even better. Although you didn’t see much combat, in a place like that, making a prudent decision and not being blinded by greed was the best possible choice, given your level of strength.

"Moreover, on two separate occasions—once against the bandits and once in the ruins—you refused to abandon a companion who was left behind... Oh, it was Zhang Mountain both times.

"Yes, not abandoning Zhang Mountain was an excellent choice. The bonds of camaraderie within the Sect are the most precious thing we have. Of course, when the time comes, you must still properly assess your own strength against the enemy’s. If you need to ask the Sect for help, then do so. If you’re bullied outside, you can always report it to the Sect and seek our assistance. I, the other elders, and any of your teachers or senior brothers and sisters will be your support. The Cloud Mountain Sword Sect is united as one; we will never abandon our own."

After speaking at length, Li Xingtuo concluded,

"Therefore, while your first trial off the mountain wasn’t perfect, you all demonstrated your strength and potential under complex and dangerous circumstances. The trial was a great success. I believe you are all ready to enter the Inner Sect to continue your cultivation. Pack your things and report there in the next two days."

Finally hearing those words, Xie Yuan, like the other three, put on an appropriately joyful and excited expression.

’The Inner Sect... Of course, the conditions and treatment would be better. Compared to the Outer Sect, the food and lodging are superior, and Ruyun Peak, where it’s located, has richer Spiritual Qi. It will be a great help for cultivation.’

’However, if it was just about entering the Inner Sect, would the Sect Leader really need to come and announce it personally?’

Xie Yuan thought to himself, his anticipation growing.

After a moment of celebration, the other three reined in their expressions and looked quietly at Li Xingtuo. Seeing that he appeared to have more to say, their hearts began to pound in their chests.

Li Xingtuo saw their expressions and gave a faint smile.

"There is also the matter of your trip to the ruins. You brought back many medicinal pills, which are a significant addition to the Sect’s apothecary. As for the texts you recovered, while they contain no cultivation methods suitable for our Sword Sect, their contents relate to ancient times and are well worth studying.

"From encountering the Lu family’s caravan to ultimately exposing the secret realm they discovered—although that was primarily a credit to Xie Yuan—the role you all played was far from insignificant. You allowed Elder Lu and me to arrive at the earliest opportunity and seize the initiative, which led to our gains. This was also a massive blow to the Western Regions. Your contributions to this result are undeniable.

"The Sect has always been fair in its rewards and punishments. Senior Brother Lu and I have discussed it, and the merits you have earned this time are sufficient for you to enter Sword Peak for a session of comprehension."

At these words, all of them, including Xie Yuan, stared wide-eyed with excitement.

Sword Peak!

The supreme holy ground of the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect, the very place where the Founding Ancestor established the Sect.

Since then, countless generations of the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect’s most renowned swordsmen have had legends of achieving enlightenment on Sword Peak.

And Xie Yuan, more than anyone, knew what lay within Sword Peak.

Sword Peak’s status in the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was unique. It wasn’t just a sacred place for comprehending profound swordsmanship; merely being allowed to enter was a symbol of honor in itself.

’Tons of Inner Sect Disciples never get the chance to enter Sword Peak for comprehension, yet here they were, getting the opportunity before even officially joining the Inner Sect!’

’Could I possibly gain some enlightenment inside and enter the Inner Sect having already learned one of the Sect’s ultimate swordsmanship techniques?’

Lin Cheng and the others were already lost in daydreams, wondering whether they should choose the Cloud Dragon Nine Forms, the Thousand Mountains Mist Concealment Sword, or maybe even learn the Floating Light and Shadow Sword.

Lin Cheng couldn’t help but ask,

"Sect Leader, can we go now?"

Li Xingtuo chuckled.

"It’s not that you can’t go now, but for your own good, I advise you to go back and prepare thoroughly first. Adjust your mindset. The opportunity to enter Sword Peak is rare, and you must be in your best possible condition to gain enlightenment. Today would be too rushed."

Lin Cheng and the others saw the wisdom in his words and suppressed their excitement. They would wait a few days to fully prepare themselves in body and mind before entering Sword Peak, cherishing this hard-won opportunity.

Xie Yuan, however, didn’t want to wait. ’With my talent, all I need to do is get inside.’ He was desperate to see what Sword Peak truly looked like and, more importantly, to find out exactly where the Black Celestial Book was.

However, since the Sect Leader had spoken and the others were all going back to prepare, he naturally couldn’t voice his objections.