C17 A New Mission

Humans and dogs simply cannot be compared. If one were to insist on such a comparison, wouldn't that suggest being even less than a dog?

Zhuo Qingyao clearly radiated an aura of distinction. Even if she wasn't cast in the role of the protagonist, she certainly fit the mold of a hero.

Chen Ming, her master, was fortunate to have her as his disciple. He coughed twice, betraying no hint of guilt for having deceived Zhuo Qingyao, "Have you taken the Jade Lingzhi I left in the cave?"

Zhuo Qingyao's eyes widened with realization. It dawned on her that her master had foreseen her tumble into the Cliff of Reflection and had thus prepared a Jade Lingzhi for her healing. Otherwise, how could he have known she would consume it?

"So, the Jade Lingzhi was prepared by you, Master? How did you know I would end up here?" Zhuo Qingyao inquired.

Chen Ming's fingers subtly manipulated the air as he offered a smile steeped in mystery, "One must not presume to predict everything, for fear of the unpredictable ways of the Heavenly Dao. Such matters of fate are not mine to disclose."

Zhuo Qingyao nodded in understanding, "Ah, I see."

Chen Ming paced the cave and remarked, "You've been surviving on wild fruits from the green vines for many days now. You must be hungry. Look, your master has brought you some treats."

He produced a handkerchief-wrapped bundle of osmanthus cakes and handed them to Zhuo Qingyao, "Eat up before they cool. They're best enjoyed warm."

Zhuo Qingyao accepted the cakes, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Throughout her life, only her master had shown her such kindness. She bowed her head, concealing her emotions from Chen Ming, and as she savored the pastries, she resolved to never let her master down.

After Zhuo Qingyao had finished her snack, Chen Ming spoke again, "The competition for the disciples is in seven days. I've observed your recent sword practice, and the technique is quite impressive. I will teach you another move! Focus on perfecting this new technique over the coming days. As for winning or losing, don't fret over it too much."

Chen Ming removed the Jade Maiden Sword from its place behind him and presented it to Zhuo Qingyao, saying, “From this moment forward, this sword belongs to you. Pay close attention.”

The Jade Maiden Sword, a mere three feet in length, was akin to black jade in appearance, with a slender blade perfectly suited for a young girl like Zhuo Qingyao.

Chen Ming had no intention of teaching her anything but the most dominant of sword techniques.

Grasping the hilt of the Prince Su Sword, Chen Ming drew it from its sheath, pointed it towards the heavens, and with a swift motion, he unleashed a sweeping strike. A fierce wind erupted, stirring up a whirlwind of dust within the cave.

“Did you catch that?” Chen Ming inquired.

Zhuo Qingyao nodded, having already intuited some aspects of the technique. Chen Ming's demonstration now deepened her insight.

Without hesitation, she brandished the Jade Maiden Sword, practicing the move Chen Ming had just executed. After observing her attempt, Chen Ming sensed something amiss and instructed, “Attack me with that same move.”

Zhuo Qingyao launched into the attack, her sword cutting through the air towards Chen Ming. With a casual flick of the Prince Su Sword, he effortlessly parried the Jade Maiden Sword. Chen Ming subtly channeled his mana to connect with her sword, guiding her through the motions of the dominant sword technique. “Hold on to that sensation,” he advised.

Surveying the cramped cave, Chen Ming wondered how one could truly experience the Prince Su Sword's commanding spirit in such confines.

Without a word, he scooped Zhuo Qingyao into his arms and stepped onto the breeze, swiftly ascending to the top of a towering waterfall. From this vantage point, the view spanned thousands of miles, an ideal setting to master the sword's tyrannical essence.

Setting Zhuo Qingyao down, Chen Ming encouraged, “Now, come at me again!”

Caught in a moment of reflection, Zhuo Qingyao blinked, “Ah? We've arrived already?”

Atop the waterfall, Chen Ming continued to guide the Jade Maiden Sword with his own, allowing Zhuo Qingyao to discern every nuance of the technique.

As time ebbed away, Chen Ming dedicated himself to Zhuo Qingyao's training, interspersing the lessons with doses of Snow Ginseng and other precious elixirs brought from the prince's estate for her to consume.

In just seven days, Zhuo Qingyao's cultivation had made another breakthrough. Tomorrow marked the competition for entry-level disciples. Chen Ming observed Zhuo Qingyao's swordplay, noting that her only shortfall was confidence. Her hesitation was evident in her cautious strikes. She had been considered the least talented upon joining the sect, and the ridicule from other disciples had left a knot in her heart.

If only she could untangle this emotional block, Zhuo Qingyao's display of the world's domineering force would surely match 70% of my own prowess. Watching her sword approach, Chen Ming feigned defeat, stepping back into the river to simulate being knocked back by her strike.

Concern flashed in Zhuo Qingyao's eyes. "Master, are you alright?"

Chen Ming rose from the river, reassuring her, "Yes, your last strike had the essence of true swordsmanship, managing to wound me. In the upcoming competition, no one will stand a chance against you. Now, channel that same sensation and strike at the waterfall once more."

A surge of elation filled Zhuo Qingyao. Could it be that I've truly mastered it? I'm not the failure they claim I am! If I hadn't, how could I possibly have forced my master into retreat with my level of cultivation?

With her eyes closed, Zhuo Qingyao steadied her breath and slowly lifted the Jade Maiden Sword. At the apex of its ascent, she opened her eyes, pouring her entire being into a single, focused strike.

Boom!

A stream of jade-like sword Qi burst forth from the Jade Maiden Sword, rolling back the waterfall with its force. Chen Ming saw clearly how the sword Qi coalesced within Zhuo Qingyao, propelling her directly to Level Seven of the Dao Enlightening Stage.

But what puzzled him was why the sword Qi she unleashed resembled the domineering aura of the Prince Su Sword, yet the Qi that formed was distinctly that of the Jade Maiden Sword.

He shook his head, dismissing the confusion. Understanding it wasn't crucial; the important thing was her ability to condense sword Qi. After all, it is the mark of a true sword cultivator.

"Ding! Zhuo Qingyao has successfully condensed sword qi, achieving entry-level mastery in the Sword Dao. Reward: 100 points of Teacher's Virtue."

"Ding! Zhuo Qingyao has advanced to Level Seven of the Dao Enlightening Stage. Reward: 70 points of Teacher's Virtue."

At Level Seven of the Dao Enlightening Stage, and with the mastery of Sword Qi, her swordsmanship is now overwhelmingly powerful. She's got it in the bag for sure.

Now, Chen Ming can step back. All he has to do is sit back and watch Zhuo Qingyao show off her skills.

What's that? You think Zhuo Qingyao might not pull it off? Impossible! She soared from Level One to Level Seven of the Dao Enlightening Stage in just one month. Have you ever witnessed such an extraordinary talent?

Even Chen Ming took ten whole years to reach Level Ten of the Dao Enlightening Stage. The gap between them is simply incalculable.

Chen Ming's thoughts have now shifted to another issue: Pitfall Mountain. The name came up at the time of the Crown Prince's death.

Upon locating the Sect Master of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, Chen Ming inquired, "What's the story behind Pitfall Mountain?"

The Sect Master of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect eyed Chen Ming warily before responding, "You've come to learn of Pitfall Mountain?"

Chen Ming nodded in confirmation.

The Sect Master went on to explain, "The Yan Kingdom's royal family owes its stability to Pitfall Mountain. Beyond the South Realm of the Yan Kingdom lie a hundred thousand mountains, teeming with demons and chaos. Rumor has it that these mountains are ruled by a Demon Clan Great Lord, and Pitfall Mountain, which is nearest to the Yan Kingdom, falls under the dominion of a Demon King.

Likewise, the neighboring states around Yan Kingdom are essentially vassals to Pitfall Mountain. The Yan Kingdom's royal family has maintained its grip on power by offering children as tribute to Pitfall Mountain, appeasing the Demon Clan's voracious hunger."

He revealed further, "In truth, you're not the eldest in your family. You have three older brothers, but they were all conscripted by the Yan Kingdom's royal family and sent as tributes to Pitfall Mountain."

"Ding! A storyline challenge mission has been triggered. Difficulty: F. Prevent the Demon Clan's wrath. Due to the death of the Yan Kingdom's Crown Prince, Pitfall Mountain has started to take notice of the Yan Kingdom's Prince Regent Mansion. You must divert Pitfall Mountain's attention away from the Yan Kingdom before its forces launch an attack!"

"Ding! Storyline challenge mission activated. Difficulty: D. Revenge may be delayed, but it is never absent. Pitfall Mountain has slain your three elder brothers. Your task is to obliterate Pitfall Mountain and fulfill the overdue vengeance."

Why didn't the previous missions have a difficulty rating? Chen Ming wondered internally.

"That's because the previous missions didn't qualify as having any difficulty at all."