Autumn Water Pavilion.

Night fell, bringing a slight chill.

Tonight, only three small dishes were on the table, not prepared by Li Mo, but brought back from the dining hall.

Ying Bing held her bowl, her cheeks moving slightly.

After eating just half a bowl, she put down her chopsticks.

Today's meal was truly tasteless.

Ying Bing never fussed over food; as long as it was clean and filling, it sufficed. To her, eating was merely because her body still required sustenance, nothing more.

Her appetite was as faint as her other desires.

Hmm...

That was indeed the case before she had tasted hot pot and barbecue.

'I could endure the darkness if I had never seen the light.'

This principle applies to gourmet food as well.

Now, looking at these ordinary dishes, Ying Bing felt a slight emptiness in her heart.

She glanced lightly at the person across from her.

The young man was mechanically shoveling food into his mouth, his face full of existential doubt.

Little Li's feelings were indeed extremely complex.

"Cataclysmic Falling Star Hammer... Divine Weapon..."

When Murong Xiao quietly told him that there might be a disturbance from the divine weapon at the bottom of the Divine Edge Cavern, Li Mo's expression was incredibly vivid.

"Minor mastery of swordsmanship, yet the Scarlet Firmament Sword is indifferent to me."

"But I've never practiced hammer techniques, and yet the divine hammer seems to have a special fondness for me."

That hammer could almost be considered the father of the Scarlet Firmament Sword.

Could it be that he wasn't suited for swordsmanship but rather for hammer techniques?

In his mind, he couldn't help but picture himself with a devilish smile, swinging the hammer to crush his enemy's skull...

"Hiss..."

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Li Mo slammed down his chopsticks, dispelling the image in his mind.

He had lost his appetite as well. Unwilling to accept defeat, he picked up his long sword and walked into the courtyard.

Holding the Bluesteel Sword, he practiced the sword technique for the first time.

The sword light flowed, and it was quite impressive.

At his age, reaching minor mastery in an upper-tier sword technique would earn him praise as a sword prodigy from any elder.

"Ten days to minor mastery."

"There's some talent for swordsmanship."

Ying Bing also found it somewhat impressive.

Of course, there was still a long way to go to become a true sword prodigy.

Even without the experience and vision from her past life.

She could learn an upper-tier sword technique to minor mastery in just half an hour.

However, there were even more terrifying geniuses in the way of the sword.

Born with a sword heart and sword bones, they could innovate any sword technique with a single glance, creating ultimate art-level sword techniques at ten and mastering divine technique-level sword techniques to transcendence at twenty.

Such people truly existed.

And one of them was a memorable defeated opponent of Ying Bing.

If Li Mo knew what she was thinking, he would probably smile wryly.

He knew his own limitations.

His years of practicing swordsmanship exceeded his actual age.

Even now, he could barely be considered passable.

His true talent could only be described as relying on external help...

"I don't feel any progress."

"Can't even see the dawn of major mastery."

Practicing his sword, Li Mo had to admit something.

What he was doing wasn't called practicing swordsmanship; at most, it was dancing with a sword, as there was no progress after each session.

He didn't even know which direction to strive towards.

It's not scary to not work hard; what's scary is not knowing where to direct your efforts.

Could it be that he really wasn't cut out to be a swordsman?

"This sword technique of yours emphasizes restraint."

A familiar, clear voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

Before Li Mo could react, a slender, clean hand had already taken the Bluesteel Sword from his grasp.

"The longer you can hold back, the stronger the power will be when it finally erupts."

Hiss—

"Therefore, the sword should be wielded like embroidery, controlling every ounce of your strength."

Swish—

"The stronger your control, the greater the strength you can accumulate."

Under the moonlight, the beauty danced with the sword gracefully.

When she wielded the sword, she was focused and serious, her movements carrying a harmonious beauty untouched by the mundane.

Like an ice lotus in a mountain pool, blooming slowly through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Li Mo was entranced.

But soon after, he felt a bit puzzled.

Ice Block clearly hadn't practiced the Thousand-Feather Fire Crane, right?

Was she correct?

[Twenty years of Martial Dao Comprehension successfully infused.]

Little Li decided to open up a bit.

After all, with the sect trial approaching, improving his sword technique would definitely come in handy.

[In the first year, thanks to Ying Bing's guidance, you found the correct direction for practicing the Thousand-Feather Fire Crane.]

[In the fifth year, you diligently practiced control over the sword, finally managing to hold back seventeen feathers without releasing them.]

[In the seventh year, the further you progressed, the harder it became to improve your control. Even a slight advancement required immense effort. You spent two years without any progress.]

[In the thirteenth year, through persistent effort, you finally integrated the technique into your body's instincts, able to hold back twenty-four feathers.]

[In the twentieth year, you successfully left thirty feathers on a wooden dummy for the first time.]

[Thousand-Feather Fire Crane Sword Technique, Major Mastery.]

Li Mo: "..."

A flood of swordsmanship experience poured into his mind like water.

But he didn't feel happy at all.

Ice Block's guidance was indeed correct.

What was certain was that she hadn't practiced this sword technique; she had only watched him practice it once.

And then... she could guide him?

Though he didn't want to use this word, Li Mo had to admit he was filled with...

Terrifying!

Thud, thud, thud—

A series of muffled sounds.

The girl sheathed her sword and turned around. Behind her, the bamboo suddenly displayed dozens of feather marks, bursting into brilliant ice flowers.

Without even turning her head, she asked softly:

"Have you learned it?"

Li Mo: ".....Yes."

It was clear that Ice Block had no intention of mocking him.

She genuinely wanted to teach him, and she truly believed that he could make progress after watching once.

Li Mo suddenly remembered how, in his past life, he would ask a top student for help with math problems, and they would write out four solutions without even looking up.

Each one was beyond the syllabus.

And then they'd sincerely ask him, "Got it?"

"Do it again."

The sword was tossed back to him.

With mixed feelings, Li Mo caught the sword and practiced.

In Ying Bing's slightly lowered eyes, the reflection of the young man's somewhat awkward figure showed a hint of satisfaction.

Not bad.

If he could be taught, then he wasn't too stupid; he might just be material for swordsmanship.

"Did I do it right?"

Li Mo turned around, only to find the space behind him empty.

The window on the second floor had closed again, quickly forming a thin layer of ice.

It seemed she had returned to her cultivation.

"How many meridians has Ice Block opened now?"

Li Mo pondered slightly.

He had originally thought he was progressing quickly in the Vital Energy Realm.

Even with a red Divine Fate, it might not catch up to him.

But what had just happened served as a reminder to remain humble.

Little Li put away his small sense of pride.

He also returned to his room, sitting cross-legged on the bed.

The Fire Finch Feather pouch on his chest emitted a stable and peaceful warmth.

Lotus-Birthing Flame Technique, activate!

Tonight, let's try to open the ninth meridian!

Unknowingly.

The moon hung high.

Next door.

"The ninth meridian, done."

Ying Bing opened her eyes, the ice crystals on her eyelashes shimmering slightly.

From opening her meridians to now, it had taken her only half a month to condense nine meridians.

In her past life, it had taken her a full three months.

Her progress in realm advancement was several times faster.

But.

Her combat strength was tens of times stronger!

Now, she could use a Perfection-level sword technique with her current body at most.

Her combat experience, not just in Ziyang Prefecture, but across the entire Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, was indisputably the best.

Moreover, she possessed the Power of the Lunar Yin. Although she couldn't control it yet, even a wisp of its aura was enough to serve as a trump card.

"Sect trial, I should be able to handle any unexpected changes."

"If I can obtain one of the Nine Souls of the Primal Phoenix, I can claim perfection in the Vital Energy Realm."

"And that mysterious system..."

Ying Bing's eyes couldn't hide a hint of anticipation.

Without a doubt, she would rank first in the system rankings.

By then, she would receive system rewards, making her even stronger.

In terms of the Vital Energy Realm, across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, throughout history, she dared to claim unparalleled supremacy.

....

Time passed.

The sun rose and set.

Diligent Little Li was already up, busy in the kitchen early in the morning.

"Since she offered guidance yesterday, today's breakfast should be more sumptuous."

"Speaking of which, breaking through to the ninth meridian with the Lotus-Birthing Flame Technique has also improved my control over the heat."

Li Mo thought as he cooked.

That's right.

Last night, he had already opened the ninth meridian.

It's said that opening meridians becomes harder as you progress, but he had never felt any bottleneck or anything like that.

Every breakthrough was as natural as water flowing into a channel.

After making breakfast, he ate a little and, as usual, headed to the mountain gate to collect some Martial Dao Comprehension.

"True Disciple Li, here again today?"

Today, it was still the Old Woman handling the departure of disciples leaving the sect.

Li Mo came every day, making the old lady quite anxious.

You're not thinking of leaving the sect like the outer disciples, are you?

"Nothing much, just taking a stroll."

Li Mo smiled and greeted her, but the next moment, his expression suddenly froze.

He had just activated the Divine Fate Eye.

To read the uncut version, go to [p𝘢wread.com].

[Name: Jiang Yue]

[Age: 19]

[Root Bone: None.]

[Realm: Vital Energy Realm, Fourth Meridian.]

[Divine Fate: Black]

[Evaluation: Among the masses, nothing noteworthy.]

[Recent Encounter: On the way home, encountered Demon Summoning Cult members, was implanted with a beast seed, and died from blood essence depletion.]

[Name: Duan An]

[Age: 18]

[Root Bone: None.]

[Realm: Vital Energy Realm, Second Meridian.]

[Divine Fate: Black]

[Evaluation: Among the masses, nothing noteworthy.]

[Recent Encounter: On the way home, encountered Demon Summoning Cult members, was implanted with a beast seed, and died from blood essence depletion.]

.....

These two weren't exceptions.

Li Mo looked around, seeing a sea of black; every disciple leaving the sect had a black Divine Fate.

Everyone here would die.

And their manner of death was eerily similar.

"Demon Summoning Cult?"

Li Mo furrowed his brow tightly.

After pondering for a moment, he suddenly stood in front of the group of disciples.

"Fellow senior brothers, please wait..."

"I have ten thousand taels of silver stored in the Blooming Elegance Pavilion, but since joining the Qingyuan Sect, I've decided to focus on martial arts and won't be using it."

"Since you're returning home, why not go enjoy yourselves for a few days and help me spend the silver, so I can let go of my attachment."

.......

Ten minutes later.

Li Mo had a large pile of investment returns waiting to be collected.

A total of one hundred and ten years of Martial Dao Comprehension, along with various miscellaneous items.

Yes, he had managed to persuade the returning disciples to head to the Blooming Elegance Pavilion.

The Blooming Elegance Pavilion was the busiest entertainment venue in Ziyang Prefecture City, frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles. Even the cheapest overnight stay cost thirty taels of silver.

Naturally, it was also a safe place.

Upon hearing about free food, drink, and entertainment at the Blooming Elegance Pavilion, everyone was overjoyed.

Such a good deal?

They almost called Li Mo their godfather on the spot!

Judging by their enthusiasm, they probably wouldn't want to leave until they had a good time for a few days.

"Demon Summoning Cult doesn't seem to be one of the three sects in Ziyang Prefecture."

"Doesn't sound like a legitimate sect..."

Li Mo withdrew his gaze and headed towards Divine Weapon Peak.

This world isn't exactly a law-abiding society.

Thinking too much is useless; becoming strong oneself is what truly matters.

......

In the blink of an eye, three days later.

Autumn Water Pavilion.

"It seems ten meridians are the limit."

Li Mo stood up, stretching his legs that had grown a bit stiff from sitting for a long time, and opened a nearby bundle.

Inside were two sets of clothes, one black and one indigo, both made of the finest Songjiang Brocade.

Little Li immediately recognized them as his mother's handiwork.

The bundle also contained a family letter.

"To my dear son, reading this is like seeing you."

"You and Little Bing have both become true disciples of the Qingyuan Sect? Good, good, my son is indeed like me!"

The handwriting was a bit messy, indicating that his father was so excited while writing that he couldn't hold the pen steady.

Li Mo chuckled silently and continued reading.

"Now that you've become a true disciple and are practicing martial arts, you should mature a bit and change your reckless ways. You can't be as mischievous as before."

"A man should establish a family before pursuing a career. It's time for you to consider marriage."

"Be especially good to Little Bing. You two have known each other since childhood, and now you're both in the Qingyuan Sect as true disciples. This is fate given by the heavens."

"Being close at hand gives you an advantage, so seize the opportunity!!!"

It was clear.

His father was a bit anxious, emphasizing the last part heavily.

He was eager to have a grandchild by next year.

Li Mo: "......"

Who can understand this? In his past life, he was pressured about having children at twenty-six.

In this life, at sixteen, he still couldn't escape the pressure of marriage.

Well, in Great Yu, it's quite common for men to marry at sixteen.

"Is this my fault....."

Li Mo felt a bit troubled.

It's hard to imagine Ice Block as a virtuous wife and loving mother.

To say nothing of anything else.

Just the thought of the two of them sleeping in the same bed made Little Li shiver.

"Seems like I'll have to disappoint my father."

Li Mo shook his head and changed his clothes.

In just half a month, the young man's features in the mirror had become more defined, making him look even more handsome and sunny.

His once slightly thin body was now muscular, the epitome of someone who looks slim in clothes but is muscular underneath.

Wearing the outfit his mother had sewn, anyone who saw him would praise him as a dashing young man.

Yes, if they ignored the playful mandarin ducks on the clothes.

"Ying Bing, mother made you new clothes."

Li Mo knocked on the door next door, holding the clothes.

Recently, with the rainy season, the air was humid, and the door was frozen solid, making a loud noise when knocked.

"Leave it at the door."

A voice even clearer than ice came from inside.

Li Mo nodded and went to heat up breakfast.

Before long.

Footsteps came from the stairs.

Li Mo instinctively turned around, the bun in his mouth silently falling.

Her jade-like face slightly lowered, radiant in the morning light, her black hair tied up, the high ponytail swaying behind her.

The fitted clothes accentuated her graceful figure.

Her legs were longer than life itself, and the black gauze clearly outlined their shape.

Black... stockings?

Li Mo realized it was a material called "Black Cloud Gauze," light yet tough, resistant to cold and heat.

Also, quite expensive; such protective gear cost more than weapons.

Whoever invented this was a genius.

"I'll be waiting for you at Moonwatch Cliff for an hour."

"Try to come."

Ying Bing suddenly spoke.

"Moonwatch Cliff? Why?"

Li Mo didn't know why she suddenly said this.

Ice Block clearly had no intention of explaining.

Curious, Li Mo activated the Divine Fate Eye.

[Name: Ying Bing]

[Age: 16]

[Root Bone: Lunar Phoenix Physique.]

[Realm: Vital Energy Realm, Ten Meridians.]

[Divine Fate: Red (Possesses Emperor Bone, Profound Ice as fate, Autumn Water as spirit, has Aspect of the Phoenix Heaven)]

[Evaluation: Fate filled with tribulations, always able to turn misfortune into fortune. Though her wings are not yet fully grown, when the winds of change come, she will soar high above the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, reigning over the Six Directions and Eight Desolations.]

[Recent Encounter: Participating in the sect trial, planning to go to the Nine-Colored Phoenix Legacy to obtain one of the Nine Souls of the Primal Phoenix, the 'Rosy Essence.' To repay a favor, she plans to bring along a 'burden.']