Hua Che held his breath.

He had a premonition that once he met Chu Binghuan and had any interaction with him, it would be something he could never shake off in his entire life!

In the previous life, meeting Chu Binghuan was an accident.

At that time, Hua Che was on his way to the Shangqing Immortal Sect for studies. Unfamiliar with the route, he asked two brothers for directions. However, these seemingly weak scholarly-looking individuals were actually small-time fakers in the martial world, and upon seeing Hua Che, they developed malicious intentions.

Thanks to his mother's influence, Hua Che had wandered the streets and alleys since childhood, encountering people from all walks of life. With a single glance, he could see through their true identities. Taking advantage of the situation, he turned the tables on them, deceiving them in every possible way, fooling them into providing food, drinks, and shelter, leaving those experienced martial artists in bitter regret.

Eventually, the two brothers realized they had been played and prepared to retaliate. It just so happened that, during Hua Che's escape, he coincidentally bumped into Chu Binghuan, who was about to enter the inn.

An unexpected encounter, a gaze that lasted a lifetime.

Since Hua Che had no intention of getting entangled in this lifetime, he decided to avoid it if possible.

Anyway, Chu Binghuan would join the Shangqing Immortal Sect, and their paths would diverge in the future.

Hua Che held his breath and silently recited in his heart, 'Go away, go away, go away.' Finally, Chu Binghuan walked away.

Ensuring he wouldn't suddenly turn back, Hua Che released the young man.

The young man, with a red face from being held his breath, gasped heavily, "Who are you? What shameful thing did you do? Why are you hiding from Chu Binghuan, who holds the YunTian ShuiJing?"

Hua Che gave him a disdainful look, " Does it have anything to do with you?"

The young man said, "Hey, why are you talking to me like that? Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is?"

Hua Che shrugged, "Don't know."

The young man, with great pride, pointed to himself, "I am Mu Rongsa, the young master of Fengming Valley. Remember that?"

Hua Che was somewhat surprised.

Indeed, there was such a person in Fengming Valley, an arrogant and extravagant young master who was domineering and relied on his father's power. However, he also had courage and insight; he participated in the chaos of the previous life and played a role in demon-slaying. He was a leader who never retreated.

Unfortunately, his presence was too low, leaving no impression in the life of the Demon Lord.

Mu Rongsa hurriedly said, "I've already introduced myself. What about you?"

"Hua Che, Hua Qingkong."

"Oh." Mu Rongsa asked further, "What about your sect?"

"None."

"What?"

"No sect."

"How is that possible?" Mu Rongsa couldn't believe it. "Then who taught you your cultivation? Please don't tell me you figured it out on your own. When did you start cultivating your qi?"

"Just now," Hua Che replied.

"What?" Mu Rongsa exclaimed. "Just now?"

"Exactly, just a moment ago."

"...," Mu Rongsa was at a loss for words.

For heaven's sake, it took him three whole months to cultivate his qi. Three months! Even so, his old man boasted about his exceptional talent everywhere!

It couldn't be, it was impossible!

Mu Rongsa suddenly made a move, and Hua Che instinctively raised his arm to block. The two exchanged a few fierce moves.

Mu Rongsa was astonished, "Damn, Foundation Building! You completed Qi refining overnight, and that was already unbelievable. How the hell did you reach the pinnacle of Foundation Building? This doesn't make sense! Also, you, a mere Foundation Building cultivator, how can you defeat a Golden Core realm fox demon?"

Hua Che chuckled, "Realms aren't absolute. A Foundation Building cultivator can send a Nascent Soul cultivator searching for their lost teeth. Believe it or not?"

Mu Rongsa didn't hesitate, "I don't believe it!"

"I'll give you a chance to witness it," Hua Che said, ready to leave. Mu Rongsa hastily caught up, "Brother, take it easy. I don't want that demonic core anymore. How about we become friends?"

Hua Che smiled knowingly, "Becoming friends with me, isn't it a bit beneath the distinguished young master?"

Mu Rongsa pretended to be annoyed, "Look at what you're saying. Am I that shallow? I'm purely interested in you as a person. In the future, if you encounter any trouble outside, just mention my name. Your brother will cover your back."

Hua Che played along, "I'm really grateful for that."

"It's all among brothers, no need to be polite." Mu Rongsa, very familiar, reached out and placed his hand on Hua Che's shoulder. He noticed that not only did Hua Che appear slender, but his body was indeed thin. Although he seemed fragile, his cultivation was formidable, truly a case of not judging a book by its cover.

"Hua Brother, any plans?" Mu Rongsa asked.

Hua Che honestly replied, "As a lone cultivator, my strength is limited. I'm thinking of joining a sect, but there are so many sects in the cultivation world, and I'm not sure which one to choose."

Mu Rongsa sincerely suggested, "Then it must be the Shangqing Immortal Sect."

Hua Che was straightforward, "I won't go."

Mu Rongsa didn't ask why, and with a playful smile, he said, "The number one immortal sect is indeed prestigious, but there are too many annoying rules. I don't like it either. Since you have a feud with Chu Binghuan and can't go to Yun Tian Shui Jing, how about joining our Fengming Valley? Hehe, I won't hide it; my brother has a great place. Driving away that fox demon this time is also a way to pay respects to the new master."

Hua Che's eyes lit up, "Tell me more?"

Mu Rongsa exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Lingxiao Treasure Hall."

Hua Che: "Ah?"

Mu Rongsa: "You heard me right, it's Lingxiao Treasure Hall, where the Jade Emperor holds court." (NT: mythology figure, supreme ruler of Heaven and first Emperor of China, important Taoist deity)

Hua Che thought carefully and realized that there might indeed be such a place.

Despite its grand name, the sect had been in decline for many years. In the cultivation world, it was either ignored or ridiculed. Even in events like the grand gatherings of immortal sects, they could only secure a bottom-tier position despite putting in their best effort. Gradually, to avoid embarrassment, they stopped participating in such events, leading to further decline.

As for the founder of Lingxiao Treasure Hall, according to historical records in the cultivation world, he was an emperor.

While people fought for power in the mortal world, shedding blood for a throne, he willingly abdicated just as he had warmed the imperial seat. He handed over his century-old legacy to his nephew, happily retreating to the deep mountains and forests to establish a sect. He shamelessly named it Lingxiao Treasure Hall, acting as if he wasn't being audacious. He even claimed that the Jade Emperor was an emperor, and he himself was once an emperor, so everyone should sit on an equal footing.

Despite the imposing words and grandiose promises, the sect's development didn't meet expectations. After a century, it remained relatively unknown. When people heard the name Lingxiao Treasure Hall, they knew it from legends but weren't aware of its actual existence.

Returning to the topic, Mu Rongsa's interest in joining Lingxiao Treasure Hall raised questions about his identity and why he would want to enter such a lesser-known sect.

"Why go for a pheasant when you can have a phoenix?"

Seeming to know what Hua Che was thinking, Mu Rongsa explained proactively, "Lingxiao Treasure Hall sounds much more imposing than our Fengming Valley! If I become the master of Lingxiao Treasure Hall, wouldn't I be like the Jade Emperor! Hahaha!"

Hua Che: "..."

As long as you're happy.

"Hua Brother, if you haven't decided yet, why not come to Lingxiao Treasure Hall with me?" Mu Rongsa suggested with a smile. "A man wants to make achievements. If I become the sect leader, I'll appoint you as an elder!"

Lingxiao Treasure Hall, little-known but tempting.

Hua Che chuckled, "Then, I'll trouble my brother to take care of me in the future!"

Mu Rongsa happily agreed, "No problem."

Not all wealthy sons solely trained in their family's arts. To broaden their horizons, they were often sent to other sects for cultivation. For example, Chu Binghuan went to Shangqing Immortal Sect, and this young master Mu Rongsa... If the main cultivator of Fengming Valley found out that his precious son, instead of going to Shangqing Immortal Sect, had chosen an unknown and lesser-known sect, he would probably be infuriated.

Every three years, major immortal sects collectively opened their doors to new disciples. Young talents from all over the Nine Provinces flocked to various immortal sects to study and apprentice. It was a lively and extraordinary time.

Mu Rongsa wielded his sword with satisfaction, and as he carried Hua Che through the air, he couldn't help but boast about his precious sword.

He wasn't exaggerating; the sword was genuine, of top quality. The distinguished young master of Fengming Valley wouldn't be carrying a piece of junk.

Mu Rongsa said with excitement, "Guess what it's called? Here's a hint: it exudes dominance."

Without much thought, Hua Che replied, "Dominance Leak?"

"Damn you! It's called Dominance Side!" Mu Rongsa exclaimed.

Hua Che laughed until his stomach hurt.

Mu Rongsa asked, "Hey, do you have a spiritual artifact?"

Hua Che replied, "Sort of, yes."

"What do you mean by 'sort of'?"

"I have a Purple Bamboo Flute (NT: xiao in the raws, traditional Chinese flute) left by my mother. I used to think it was just a regular musical instrument, but I recently heard that it's a spiritual artifact."

Mu Rongsa was delighted, "Your mother is a music cultivator?"

Hua Che passed it off with a smile, not answering.

"So, what are you planning to cultivate?" Talking with Mu Rongsa never left the conversation dull; he always found topics to liven up the atmosphere. "Music cultivation, sword cultivation, medical cultivation, or beast taming? Choosing one will be a lifelong commitment. Sword cultivation is widely recognized as the strongest among cultivators. How about going for sword cultivation?"

In the world of cultivators, there were various paths, and Hua Che had tried almost all of them except for medical and demonic cultivation.

He grew up learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from Hua Meier. Since Hua Meier excelled in music, her teachings primarily focused on musical cultivation. Therefore, when Hua Che entered the sect for cultivation, he excelled in musical cultivation, but unfortunately, the main focus of Shangqing Immortal Sect was sword cultivation. So, later on, Hua Che switched to learning swordsmanship.

Hua Che readily agreed, "I was thinking the same."

"That's great! You need to have a good sword first." Mu Rongsa assessed Hua Che and said, "My family's secret treasure is full of top-notch swords. Let's go through the disciple assessment at Lingxiao Treasure Hall first. After that, I'll take you back to Fengming Valley, and you can choose freely from our treasure!"

Hua Che was very grateful for Mu Rongsa's enthusiasm, but instead of choosing another sword, he was more concerned about his previous life's treasured sword – Ji Feng.

Ji Feng had been with him for over a hundred years, and the bond engraved on his soul. Could this connection withstand time and space to bring Ji Feng back to his side?

He was Ji Feng's destined master. Hua Che wasn't sure if his current self could summon Ji Feng.

With this thought in mind, Hua Che couldn't resist trying.

He closed his eyes, held his breath, and silently recited the name ‘Ji Feng’ in his heart.

It worked!

Hua Che was overjoyed and eagerly opened his eyes to welcome the sword that had been separated from him for so long.

Unexpectedly—

The approaching figure was not Ji Feng. The source of abundant spiritual energy belonged to another sword.

Hua Che recognized it at a glance.

Listening Spring sword.

Hua Che seemed like a mouse encountering a cat, grabbing Mu Rongsa's shoulder and shouting, "Young Master, Young Master, quickly change direction!"

Mu Rongsa couldn't react in time, and with the sword approaching swiftly like lightning, carrying someone who seemed to have arrived on the opposite side in an instant, there was no escape.

Hua Che's breath almost stopped.

“……”

It was game over!

 

Translator : DarNan