Martial Cultivator

The first spring rain of the year had come, but someone was in no mood to appreciate it. After sitting back down again, that same person who felt a bit guilty turned his head, and pretended to glance out of the carriage, saying softly, "Spring rain is as precious as oil."

As for the woman whose face was bright red, she quickly calmed down, tidied her clothes, and did not speak immediately. Instead, she lifted the curtain and looked at the surrounding scenery. The group was already nearing Changping Prefecture, where the Divine Capital was located.

In the following days, Chen Chao first memorized the booklet given to him by Xie Nandu thoroughly. Afterward, he picked up the handkerchief and began practicing the secret technique written on it. Whether it was luck or natural talent, Chen Chao, following what was described, unknowingly felt a faint stream of qi being born in his meridians.

That qi was mysterious and subtle, seemingly useless. At least, it could not be used to kill anyone. But according to the secret technique, it signified that Chen Chao had the qualifications to learn this Qi Observing Technique.

Thinking about how the sect of that woman who owned this secret technique only had her capable of cultivating it, Chen Chao could not help but feel a little proud. Perhaps his path as a martial artist was off track, and maybe becoming a qi refiner was the true Great Dao ahead of him. It would not take long before he could become the top qi refiner in the world.

However, when he thought of the current attitude of the qi refiners lineage toward him, Chen Chao sighed. Even with this talent, it seemed unlikely that any sect would be willing to take him in.

Chen Chao quickly shook those thoughts out of his mind, rubbing his head. There was no need to rush with this Qi Observing Technique, he could practice it leisurely when he had time. The more pressing matter was this journey north. After experiencing so many life-and-death battles, there was much to ponder carefully. Whether it was the life-or-death battle with Yuan Ling, the even more dangerous battle with Autumn afterward, or seeing the Sword Sect's great talisman and the battle between the Sword Sect's Sect Master and the Demon Emperor, all of these had given him some benefits. However, the last two encounters did not offer much of a boon. After all, he was not a sword cultivator, just a martial artist.

But after all was said and done, the most important thing was the great battle where the Great Liang Emperor used his saber to slay Yuan Shan. In that battle, it was almost as if the Great Liang Emperor was teaching Chen Chao, step by step, how to use a saber.

That was what benefited him the most.

Chen Chao also had a question: when it came to saber techniques alone, was the late Great General stronger, or was his uncle stronger?

After thinking it through carefully, Chen Chao felt that his uncle should be the stronger one.

However, all said and done, the previous owner of his saber was likely a first-rate saber user in the world.

Xie Nandu had observed Chen Chao's busyness these past few days and did not take the initiative to interrupt. Like Chen Chao, she had gained quite a lot from their journey north, especially the final battle between the Sword Sect's Sect Master and the Demon Emperor. For Xie Nandu, it was a tremendous opportunity. The moment when the world's number one sword cultivator unleashed his sword, even catching a glimpse of it could provide endless benefits. Although Xie Nandu's ambitions were entirely focused on the Northern Frontier, her talent was undeniable. Her insights from that battle might even surpass those of Yu Xiyi.

These few days had been perfect for digesting what she had learned.

It was not until a few days later, after both had more or less absorbed their gains, that they finally opened their eyes again.

Chen Chao noticed that Xie Nandu's sword qi had grown even sharper than before and could not help but lament, "You truly are a freak."

The woman before him was progressing far too quickly on the path of cultivation.

Xie Nandu reminded him gently, "In about ten days, we'll arrive at the Divine Capital."

Chen Chao responded with a hum, still not caring too much.

Xie Nandu remained silent, just looking at him.

Chen Chao said, "There's no way that the moment I reach the gates of the Divine Capital, a large crowd of so-called former ministers of the previous dynasty will be kneeling in front of the gate, crying their eyes out, sobbing ‘Your Highness, we've finally found you,’ and then draping the imperial robe over me, urging me to ascend the throne immediately, right?"

Hearing this, Xie Nandu could not help but stifle a laugh.

It was truly too ridiculous.

"But I reckon that the moment I return to the Divine Capital and part ways with you, I'll run into a bunch of people I'd rather not see." Chen Chao suddenly joked, "How about I make an effort, and you could be my empress?"

Xie Nandu shook her head, "Not interested."

Chen Chao frowned, "Is it that being an empress isn't interesting, or marrying me isn't interesting?"

Xie Nandu glanced at him, "Guess?"

Chen Chao lowered his voice and said, "If I were to become the emperor, would the main gate of your Xie Family still dare not open to me?"

"Turns out that you've been holding onto that grudge all this time," Xie Nandu remarked. "Hard to say. I'm also curious about how that old ancestor of the Xie Family would choose."

Chen Chao sighed, "Looks like there’ll be a lot to deal with."

As he spoke, Chen Chao took out the handkerchief again, intending to review the cultivation method of that Qi Observing Technique. Xie Nandu glanced at it and asked, "What's that girl’s name?"

Without thinking, Chen Chao blurted out, "Liang Jinjin."

It was only after he spoke that he noticed Xie Nandu staring at him.

Chen Chao slapped his forehead and immediately understood - he had fallen for this woman's trick again.

At this moment, Chen Chao was incredibly relieved that the woman in front of him had not learned the Qi Observing Technique. Otherwise, how could he survive the days ahead?

……

……

Many qi refiners sects in the northern lands were located at the border between Changping Prefecture and Xinliu Prefecture. The choice of location was very particular. As the group in the world most concerned with the flow of the heavens and the earth, their selection of sect sites was naturally very demanding.

Pinecreek Mountain was not a major qi refiner sect in the north. Currently, the sect had just over a hundred disciples, but its location was quite good. Years ago, the founding ancestor of Pinecreek Mountain traveled the world and came upon this mountain. Seeing a thousand-year-old ancient pine tree at the summit and a stream flowing gently from the top, the ancestor instantly recognized this place as a blessed land. He then established the sect here and named it after the mountain.

At its peak, Pinecreek Mountain had thousands of disciples and nearly became the leader of the northern qi refiner sects. However, over the years, no renowned powerhouses had emerged from the sect, and as time passed, its decline became inevitable.

The current sect master of Pinecreek Mountain, Sage Bamboo Moon, was only a qi refiner in the Great Beyond Realm, and most of the sect's powerhouses were at this same level. As a result, Pinecreek Mountain has been acting very low-profile in recent years.

Liang Jinjin had already returned to the sect before the expedition to the desolate north had ended, but she felt uneasy throughout her journey. After all, the sect had sent her along with several senior brothers and sisters to the desolate north. But in the end, only she returned. It would be hard to explain this.

Despite her anxiety, she still made her way back. As soon as she arrived at the foot of the mountain, two disciples guarding the sect entrance called out excitedly, "Senior Sister Liang!"

Liang Jinjin returned to her senses, looked at the two junior brothers who had only recently joined the sect, and forced a slight smile, nodding her head.

"Senior Sister Liang... where's Senior Brother Xu they all?"

"Um... I need to meet with the sect master first, then..."

Liang Jinjin did not say much and quickly ascended the mountain. It did not take long before she met Sage Bamboo Moon, the current sect master of Pinecreek Mountain and also her master.

Sage Bamboo Moon was already over fifty years old but did not show any signs of aging, resembling a woman who had just entered her thirties. However, the weariness and desolation in her eyes made her appear somewhat lifeless.

After Liang Jinjin paid her respects and was about to speak, Sage Bamboo Moon waved her hand and said, "I already know. This journey to the desolate north wasn't easy. The fact that you returned alive is already fortunate enough. As for your senior brothers and sisters, it was fate. No one can be blamed for it."

Liang Jinjin softly said, "My senior brothers and sisters died because of me. Please punish me, Master."

Sage Bamboo Moon smiled slightly. "What is there to punish? It's not as if you killed them yourself. Since it wasn't an internal strife among fellow disciples, there is no blame. Not obtaining that item was also fate, so there's no need to blame yourself."

Liang Jinjin was stunned but quickly took out the item she had obtained from the Small Hill Sect and presented it to Sage Bamboo Moon. "This disciple is fortunate to have completed the task. Though I didn't return with my senior brothers and sisters, I was fortunate enough to find this."

Sage Bamboo Moon took the item, and a hint of surprise flashed across her eyes as she asked, "How did you manage to obtain this item?"

Liang Jinjin quickly recounted her journey. She had already thought through how to explain everything beforehand, so there were not too many problems with her story.

After listening, Sage Bamboo Moon said with vicissitudes of emotion, "It must have been hard on you. Truly no easy feat. Still, your senior brothers and sisters died a worthy death."

After offering a few words of comfort, Sage Bamboo Moon sent Liang Jinjin off to rest.

As she watched her master's departing figure, Liang Jinjin did not feel much joy. Instead, she felt a deep sense of unfamiliarity with her master's unusual behavior.

After returning to her residence, Liang Jinjin sat by the window, gazing at the breathtaking scenery outside, but her mind was somewhat elsewhere.

What occupied her thoughts instead was the figure of that man.

Liang Jinjin's cheeks flushed slightly, and she secretly spat in disdain. However, after a moment, she rested her chin on her hand, recalling his scarred upper body.

She could not help but sigh.

What in the world earth had he experienced?

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