Abundant Martial Arts Virtue

On Fuyun Mountain.

Fu Caier's sobbing had already faded.

She wiped her reddened eyes. The True Disciple Li Tao stood beside her, full of murderous intent, and said sternly:

"Second Senior Brother has gone too far."

Fu Caier glanced at him, thought for a moment, and gently tugged at his sleeve.

"Senior Brother, don't blame the Second Senior Brother. He might not know that we are engaged."

Engaged.

Yes.

The family came today, specifically to ask for marriage.

Wait—

Sister Cai Er said engaged, could it be that she has agreed?

If the marriage proposal succeeded, she would be his wife.

Could he let her be taunted by others at will?

If she was humiliated, would his own face look good?

——How could he stand in the sect in the future?

At this thought, the murderous intent on Li Tao grew even stronger.

"Hmph, Sister Cai Er, wait here. I'll go seek justice for you!"

Without waiting for Fu Caier to stop him, he pushed the door and with a flash headed towards the back mountain.

After he left.

Fu Caier waited a while longer before pushing the door and going out.

She saw a Nascent Soul Stage Martial Uncle standing outside the door.

"Greetings, Martial Uncle."

Fu Caier hurriedly saluted.

The Martial Uncle hesitated: "Li Tao... are you two forming a Dao Companionship?"

"Martial Uncle, please don't say that. There's nothing between Li Tao and me," Fu Caier said, her eyes red, softly, "He's just standing up for me."

The Martial Uncle seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, straightened up, and said solemnly: "This time it was indeed Fang Yuming who did wrong."

Fu Caier lowered her head weakly: "Maybe because I often ask Martial Uncle for guidance in cultivation, he finds it displeasing and thinks I have character issues."

The Martial Uncle took a couple of steps, pondered, and said: "This brat teaches many junior sisters every day, harboring lecherous intents, yet he slanders you, a true seeker of Tao."

"This trend can't continue."

"Well, I'll go personally."

Fu Caier was startled and quickly waved her hands: "Please don't."

"Why?" asked the Martial Uncle.

"Second Senior Brother is exceptionally talented, I've always admired him. If it weren't for what he said today, I would have wanted—wanted—"

She was a bit embarrassed, her face flushed, but at last, recalling Fang Yuming's words, her expression turned incredibly sad again.

The Martial Uncle calmly said: "You like him?"

"Not anymore, but please, let him go. I can bear these matters alone," Fu Caier said.

The Martial Uncle sighed: "Caier, you're too kindhearted. This won't do."

Before he finished speaking, he soared into the sky.

Only Fu Caier was left there.

Her eyes were full of confusion, her face still carried sadness, yet the corners of her mouth had a barely noticeable arc.

...

On the other side.

The marketplace.

Fuyun Sect Master Bai Zongmang, along with two Supreme Elders, hid in the corner of a wall, looking at the distant Yuelao Pavilion.

"Nineteen years old, looking for a partner?" one Supreme Elder wondered.

"Aiming for a Dao Companion, it's too early. Such distraction, how can one diligently cultivate and ascend to the azure sky?"

Another Supreme Elder sighed.

Bai Zongmang was also a bit disappointed.

"The path to the azure sky is difficult, countless ordinary men have been misled by women throughout history."

"In my nineteenth year, I was ambitious and diligent, defeated all opponents, and became the outstanding one in the sect."

"At that age, I never thought about finding a Dao Companion."

The two Supreme Elders slightly nodded upon hearing the Sect Leader's words.

Fang Yuming.

He is too hasty in seeking pleasure!

With such character, is he suitable to become the next Sect Leader?

"Perhaps we should consider the other True Disciples?"

"There's no other choice."

"Alas, at such a young age, not thinking of progress but indulging in pleasure, making the path to azure sky difficult, what a pity, what a pity!"

The three were feeling disheartened when they saw a flying boat approaching from afar, stopping in an instant above the marketplace.

A sword-wielding, stunning female cultivator leaped down, retracting the flying boat, landing on the street.

After a slight hesitation, she sent out a Communication Talisman.

"Eh? Isn't that Song Qingsi from the Qingcheng Sword Sect?" a Supreme Elder casually remarked.

"Yes, she is the number one among the younger generation, unmatched in swordsmanship, and is said to soon succeed as the next Qingcheng Sect Leader," said another Supreme Elder.

"Pity our Fuyun Sect doesn't have such a disciple," Bai Zongmang sighed.

The three, talking as they soared into the sky, left the marketplace.

Song Qingsi looked back.

Those three old men were watching her from the street corner just now.

——They probably didn't have any ill intent.

After all, everyone on the street was looking at her.

But——

Where is Fang Yuming?

The door of Yuelao Pavilion opened.

Fang Yuming walked out, greeted Song Qingsi with a cupped fist.

Song Qingsi smiled and returned the gesture.

The two exchanged a few words, then walked side by side onto the street.

"Friend Fang, do you have any difficulties in your cultivation now?" Song Qingsi asked earnestly.

For cultivators, discussing cultivation is the best topic.

People can freely explore.

Wu Xiaode casually said: "The things the Elders teach are simple. I don't have any difficulties now, just cultivating step by step every day."

No difficulties?

The difficulty of cultivation is like climbing the azure sky without a ladder.

Is Fang Yuming really so arrogant?

If so, today's meal is unnecessary.

"You don't mind if I ask some small questions about cultivation, do you?" Song Qingsi asked.

"Ask." Wu Xiaode said.

"You're at Golden Core Great Perfection realm, how do you plan to pass the Nascent Lightning Tribulation?" Song Qingsi asked.

"Oh, just fight it, naturally," Wu Xiaode said casually.

The knowledge and secrets of All Worlds are within the Human Emperor and Sarina's inheritance.

A mere tribulation isn't something worth contemplating.

Song Qingsi raised an eyebrow, genuinely feeling this person had an incredibly big mouth, yet he had no hint of boasting as if stating a fact.

Then ——

Clang!

Song Qingsi drew her sword, emitting a chilling Sword Qi, turning into a shadow.

The shadow halted.

Wu Xiaode placed his hand on Song Qingsi's hand, calmly saying:

"Friend Song doesn't have any killing intent."

Song Qingsi suddenly laughed.

Her smile was like the proud snow plum blossoming in winter, captivating and soul-stirring.

——When experts make a move, it's clear whether one has it or not.

This close-range assassination Secret Sword of hers had killed countless evil cultivators, unstoppable by anyone.

Yet he easily caught it.

I am a Divinity Transformation cultivator.

He is at the Golden Core stage.

A Golden Core blocking a Divinity Transformation.

Just based on that move earlier, it's clear he's not one to brag without backing.

"How about one more strike?"

Song Qingsi asked.

"No need," Wu Xiaode confessed openly, "In terms of combat reactions, I have some experience, so fighting again might not be fair to you."

Song Qingsi almost couldn't suppress her laughter.

A gap of three years in age, two realms in cultivation, yet he worries fighting might be 'unfair'.

"Just one move, come on."

She said impulsively.

"Alright then," Wu Xiaode said helplessly.

Three hours have already passed.

Only twenty-one hours remain.

If unable to change Fang Yuming's destiny track, I will be erased by the Law of Destiny.

In comparison, I'd rather face the Evil Demon directly.

But it's come to this, I've no choice but to give it my all.

A flash of cold light.

The sound of long swords clashing filled the street.

Enforcement cultivators hurried over, only to see a man and woman in the field bowing in unison:

"Sorry, got a bit restless and sparred, please don't blame us."

The enforcement cultivators were a bit annoyed, but quickly recognized the two.

One is Divinity Transformation Sword Cultivator Song Qingsi.

One is Fuyun True Inheritor Fang Yuming.

Why bother?

"We'll let this pass, but next time, please exchange moves outside the market, friends," said an enforcement cultivator.

"Thank you." Song Qingsi said.

"Certainly." Wu Xiaode also replied.

The enforcement cultivators left.

"Kid, your swordsmanship isn't bad," Song Qingsi said, looking at the ancient long sword at his side with a smile.

Impressive.

This kid doesn't know where he learned swordsmanship, but drawing his sword carries such presence.

"I know a thing or two; actually, I'm skilled in close combat."

Wu Xiaode explained.

Song Qingsi then noticed the knife at his waist.

"What are your knife and sword called?" she asked curiously.

"The knife is named Butterfly Soul, the sword is called Desolate." Wu Xiaode replied.

If he's skilled in close combat...

He would work well with me.

No need to test his cultivation further; he's strong.

——During the Heavenly Tribulation, he could probably just fight his way through.

"My sword is named Xiushui," Song Qingsi introduced.

"Good sword." Wu Xiaode praised.

"Of course, your sword is good too," Song Qingsi remarked.

The two exchanged a glance.

Song Qingsi felt her heart skip a beat, subtly using a spell to prevent a blush from forming.

After walking a while, they stopped at a tavern.

"Eat?" Wu Xiaode asked.

"Sure." Song Qingsi replied.

They chose a window seat.

Finished ordering.

Tea was served first while they waited.

Song Qingsi took a sip and sighed, "This is my first time dining alone with a male cultivator."

"Mine too." Wu Xiaode sighed as well.

Song Qingsi glared at him.

By this point, she had already tested Wu Xiaode's skills, confirming he's not one to boast, hence willing to engage further.

Soon, the dishes arrived.

They chatted while eating, gradually becoming familiar with each other.

Nearing the end of the meal, Song Qingsi thought for a moment and handed Wu Xiaode a sword manual.

"Is this Ghost Sect swordsmanship?" Wu Xiaode asked.

"What are you thinking? How could I dare to share my sect's secret manuals externally? This is a martial arts combat technique I gained through an adventure," Song Qingsi said.

"You're giving it to me?"

"Yes, this is ultimately a Divinity Transformation stage sword technique, practicing it will benefit you," Song Qingsi said.

Wu Xiaode read a few pages.

This secret manual is indeed interesting, detailing close combat techniques, spells, and various weapon arts for different cultivation levels, along with nineteen sequential cultivation methods.

These are enough to establish a sect.

So that's what she took from the Demon Sect's sacred land at Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain that year.

"In that case, I have something for you too," Wu Xiaode said.

He took out a jade slip, inserted a sword technique from the Human Emperor's Inheritance related to the Divinity Transformation peak stage, and handed it to Song Qingsi.

Song Qingsi scanned it with her Divine Thought, and exclaimed, "Sword technique!"

After glancing at it briefly, she carefully put the jade slip away.

Just as they were about to continue speaking, they saw one cultivator after another rapidly landing outside the street.

"Come out, Fang Yuming!"

Li Tao stood in the street, holding a long knife, shouting angrily.

Accompanying him were seven or eight disciples from Fuyun Sect.

Each one looked eager to try.

Trouble has still come!

"Your junior brother carries heavy killing intent; he seems to really want to kill you."

Song Qingsi appeared entertained, not seeing anything to be concerned about.

Li Tao is only at the Golden Core Early Stage, his mana fluctuations are unstable, and his stance with the knife has seven or eight flaws.

Having just tested Fang Yuming's skills.

With Fang Yuming's strength, killing him is child's play.

"Can't do anything about it," Wu Xiaode sighed, "Human evolution seems to have skipped him."

He beckoned to the street.

"Junior brother, have you eaten? If not, come eat."

"Don't pretend, Second Senior Brother, you dare insult Cai Er——"

"What's it to you?"

"She's my Dao companion."

"Bring the marriage certificate for me to see."

"We're about to get engaged——"

"Bring her here. As long as she publicly agrees to marry you, I'll immediately apologize, seclude in the sect for reflection, and won't come out for twenty years."

Won't come out for twenty years!

Secluding for twenty years is as good as giving up all sect power.

Li Tao was momentarily stunned, his temper even subdued a bit.

Wu Xiaode still had a smile on his face.

Fu Caier absolutely wouldn't agree.

If she did——

Fang Yuming would remain in seclusion for twenty years, and she would marry Li Tao.

——Then Fang Yuming's destiny would be completely altered!

I'd be thrilled!

"Is this for real?" Li Tao asked.

"Not a word of deceit, I swear by the heavens," Wu Xiaode said.