Mount Heng and Mount Hua were not wealthy sects; their assets barely covered disciples’ food, clothing, and travel expenses.
The so-called birthday gifts were merely two Buddhist Sutras and some simple ritual items, but the opportunity was taken to strengthen bonds, hoping the affairs of the Martial World would be harmonious and united.
The gifts were not valuable, so normally a few older, steady disciples would be sent as escorts.
However, Mount Heng’s disciples strictly observed their rules and generally lacked experience in the Martial World.
Master Dingjing Shitai, considering that the new generation had reached the age for trials, wished for them to spar with disciples from other sects to gain insight. She resolved to personally visit Mount Hua.
Lingxiu Zhong, whose martial skills were somewhat established but with zero experience, naturally accompanied them.
She was overjoyed; Mount Hua was good, and Mount Hua had the protagonist Linghu Chong.
By testing her own martial skills against him, she could gauge her own level.
So she eagerly began preparations.
A thousand days at home are good, one day out is hard—especially the first time traveling far.
Yizhen stayed up late sewing two fine cotton outfits for her, worried that she might have her monthly cycle while away. She also carefully stitched two menstrual bands and secretly taught Lingxiu how to use them. Lingxiu herself gathered old scraps of cloth to sew a Market Bag-style satchel, adding compartments inside to store daily necessities like handkerchiefs, needles and thread, medicines, and spices.
Additionally, she prepared two pairs of leg wraps, spare underwear, and several pairs of shoes and socks.
Since the quality of lodging varied, she even tore apart a quilt cover to make a sleeping bag.
It took three scattered days before everything was ready, and she departed with the sect elders.
Mount Hua, located in Shaanxi, was not very far from the Northern Peak, Mount Heng.
Lingxiu Zhong followed her sect down the mountain on foot, resting one night in the town before inquiring about caravans at the city gate. Hearing of a group traveling the same route, they agreed to join forces.
These days, the Martial World was unsettled; the Demon Cult acted recklessly, often robbing and killing. Though caravans knew the routes well, they were cautious. Traveling with the Mount Heng Sect was highly desired; the caravan agreed to cover travel expenses and even prepared a mule cart for Master Dingjing Shitai to ride in.
Young and strong, Lingxiu had no such luxury and walked the entire way.
Fortunately, it was her first time traveling far, and everything was interesting. Walking did not bore her. Occasionally, she listened to the caravan members describe the route, memorizing the towns and inns from Shanxi to Shaanxi.
They traveled along postal roads—flat and busy with travelers. Tea stands dotted the path, with vendors gathered around them.
Every time the caravan stopped to rest, they bought firewood and well water from these vendors for the journey. Peddlers sold needles, thread, and sundries; when someone’s shoes wore out, they bought new ones. It was more convenient than she had imagined.
Lingxiu had expected to encounter bandits and quietly asked Yiqing about it.
Yiqing said, “This is a postal road, with people and carts coming and going. Except for bandits who occupy a region like the Greenwood Bandits, common thieves wouldn’t dare act recklessly. Remember, when you travel the Martial World, avoid side paths unless absolutely necessary.”
Lingxiu nodded and asked, “What about the Demon Cult?”
“They are ruthless and hostile to us. You must be very cautious.” Yiqing approved of her vigilance and smiled, “Tonight you will keep watch with me.”
“Understood.”
The caravan was experienced and had never had to camp outdoors. Tonight was no exception; they rested at a postal inn.
Servants brought hot water and vegetarian meals. Lingxiu first delivered them to Master Dingjing Shitai’s room, then to the senior disciples. After they finished washing, she used the remaining warm water to wash her face and feet, changed into fresh clothes, and stood guard with Yiqing in the main hall.
Night was deep and quiet, filled only with the chirping of insects.
Yiqing sipped her tea and resumed their earlier conversation. “Since you asked about the Demon Cult, I will tell you about them.”
She said, “The Demon Cult calls itself the Sun Moon Holy Cult, headquartered at Blackwood Cliff in Hebei. Many in the cult act treacherously and kill mercilessly, and are shunned by the Martial World. Several years ago, their leader Ren Woxing disappeared, and now the leader is called Dongfang Bubai…”
Lingxiu Zhong listened intently.
Mount Heng Sect’s rules were strict, and ordinary disciples rarely left the mountain. Elders only spoke of the Five Mountain Sword Sects’ history, avoiding mention of the Demon Cult to prevent disturbing the disciples’ minds. Once they formally entered the Martial World, they would be gradually taught to avoid ignorance and suffering from insufficient knowledge.
Lingxiu had only read about the Sun Moon Holy Cult in novels—that Ren Woxing wasn’t dead, that Dongfang Bubai was fond of men—but these details were useless to her for now. Instead, Yiqing’s introduction of the Seven-Colored Flags and other mid-level cult leaders were the real threats they might encounter.
She memorized the names of a few cult members known to roam the northern regions, planning to avoid them whenever possible.
Yiqing meant the same: “Lingxiu, the Demon Cult’s methods are ruthless and beyond your ability to handle. If you discover their traces, don’t act rashly. Quickly return and inform the sect.”
“I know my limits,” Lingxiu said seriously. “I won’t die needlessly.”
Yiqing nodded with relief. Mount Heng’s disciples were long-time cultivators, strictly observing discipline. Over time, many became naïve and impulsive. The Martial World was cunning; problems could not be solved with just a sword. One must think carefully and respond cleverly.
After more than half a month’s journey, the caravan parted ways at Tongguan Pass. After three more days, they finally arrived at Jade Maiden Peak of Mount Hua.
The Mount Hua Sect sent people to welcome them immediately. Upon learning that Mount Heng’s disciples had arrived, they quickly escorted them up the mountain.
Both mountains were among the Five Mountains, but Mount Hua’s dangers surpassed Mount Heng. Sheer cliffs and steep precipices were common. Even walking the cleared mountain paths, one could feel strong winds on both sides. Tall trees grew thickly, shading streams, and birds vanished into deep forests. The scenery was serene and magnificent.
The scenery was beautiful, but climbing was exhausting.
Lingxiu’s legs ached halfway up. She circulated her internal energy to ease the soreness, then steadily reached the summit.
Before her stood a row of pink-walled buildings.
Lingxiu spotted a middle-aged man with a noble face and a few long strands of beard, exuding uprightness. Beside him was a beautiful middle-aged woman, sword at her side, with a lingering aura of a master.
“Chief Yue, Lady Swordswoman Ning,” Master Dingjing Shitai greeted. Indeed, they were the famed Gentleman Sword Yue Buqun and Lady Swordswoman Ning Zhongze.
“Master Shitai, your personal visit honors us greatly. Please, come in.” Dingjing Shitai was Mount Heng’s senior disciple and was supposed to succeed as sect leader but had declined, not coveting power. She was well respected in the Martial World. Yue Buqun’s words were sincere as he invited her into Zhenqi Hall and ordered disciples to serve tea.
Lingxiu followed behind, listening to the Mount Hua sect leader couple modestly insist it was not a grand birthday, just young disciples coming over, no need to trouble Master Shitai. She glanced around, searching for the protagonist’s figure.
She did not recognize him.
Luckily, both sides observed courtesy. After greetings, Master Dingjing Shitai ordered her disciples to salute Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze. The Mount Hua disciples responded, with Ning Zhongze motioning for them to step forward.
“Have you not yet met Mount Heng’s Dingjing Shitai?” she asked.
Then Mount Hua disciples lined up and saluted one by one.
“Disciple Linghu Chong, Laudeno, Liang Fa, Shi Daizi, Gao Genming, Lu Dayou, greet Master Dingjing Shitai.”
Several female disciples in the back row also greeted in unison.
Dingjing Shitai showed a look of approval. “Truly worthy of Mount Hua disciples.”
Yue Buqun stroked his beard, not showing much emotion but humbly said, “Youngsters with some manners, nothing more.” Noticing Mount Heng disciples’ weary appearance from travel, he quickly said, “Master Shitai, you have endured hardship. Our sect has prepared guest rooms for you to rest and freshen up.”
Traveling across mountains was always tiring, and Dingjing Shitai did not refuse politely. “Thank you.”
Yue Buqun instructed, “Chong’er, take Mount Heng’s guests to the guest rooms and don’t neglect them.”
“Yes.” Linghu Chong was already impatient with formalities and eager to leave. He quickly slipped out, “Master Shitai, please. Sisters, please.”
Lingxiu followed him out of Zhenqi Hall, passing along a wide road until they saw an open area in the distance.
Linghu Chong noticed her gaze and smiled, “This is where we usually train.”
Lingxiu finally looked up. “Thank you, Senior Brother Linghu.”
“You’re welcome.”
Crossing the training ground, they reached several quiet buildings nestled beneath the mountain cliffs.
“Master Ning said your sect is monastic, so we specially prepared the most peaceful guest quarters on the mountain,” Linghu Chong said. “Meals are delivered daily. There’s a small path to a stream nearby, convenient for fetching water. The rooms have been cleaned, and guests can rest anytime.”
Mount Hua’s attentiveness to Mount Heng made Master Dingjing Shitai unable to express full satisfaction. “Thank you, Lady Ning, for your care.”
“It’s only right,” Linghu Chong said. “Master Shitai, any instructions?”
Dingjing Shitai waved her hand.
“Then I won’t disturb you.” He cupped his hands and withdrew.
Lingxiu stepped aside, unable to resist glancing at him again. At this moment, Linghu Chong was tall and slender, with clear and handsome features. The look of a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old youth carried a hint of the protagonist’s rebellious spirit, but his steps were somewhat heavy, and his martial arts seemed unremarkable.
Yiqing noticed her expression and frowned slightly. “Junior Sister?”
“Senior Sister,” Lingxiu lowered her voice, “what do you think of Senior Brother Linghu’s martial arts?”
Yiqing silently observed for a moment, then said seriously, “Mount Hua Sword Art is exquisitely profound and not to be underestimated.”
“Senior Sister is right,” Lingxiu understood. The implication was that to truly know Linghu Chong’s swordsmanship, one had to spar with him, but his inner strength was nothing special. It made sense—he had not yet undergone his various extraordinary encounters and was far from a master.
She did not know how a match with him would turn out.
Harboring a competitive spirit, she did not act rashly and obediently studied and recited sutras with her senior sisters until evening.
Yue Buqun sent word that a simple banquet had been prepared to welcome Mount Heng Sect, but Master Dingjing Shitai declined, citing that monastics disliked noisy celebrations. Mount Hua did not insist and instead sent servants to deliver a sumptuous dinner.
After a full meal, hot water was brought, and the disciples washed and went to rest one by one.
Lingxiu shared a room with several senior sisters and drifted to sleep amidst the rhythm of their breathing.
The next day, she woke before dawn.
Quickly dressing in her dark clothes, she stepped outside and saw a wooden bucket. She immediately filled two buckets with water from the stream and returned to boil it.
After washing, she waited for Master Dingjing Shitai to rise and said, “Master Shitai, I would like to go out for a walk.”
Dingjing Shitai did not restrain them but reminded, “Remember your manners. Do not be presumptuous.”
“I understand.”
The mountain wind was familiar—cool and sharp. Lingxiu followed yesterday’s memory, walking toward Zhenqi Hall.
The training ground was empty.
She was puzzled.
“Didn’t they say they practiced swordsmanship here? Why is no one here? Is Senior Brother Linghu tricking me?”
Lingxiu stood in the vacant space for half a minute until soft footsteps and a hesitant voice came from behind, “Um, Junior Sister, do you need something?”
Lingxiu turned and couldn’t help but smile brightly. “Senior Brother Linghu.”
“Isn’t Master Dingjing Shitai expecting you?” Linghu Chong held his long sword, a bit nervous. It was early dawn, and this Mount Heng Junior Sister had come here to stand as punishment—did Mount Heng have such strict rules?
She said, “I came to practice swordsmanship. Are you here too? What a coincidence, shall we spar a few moves?”
Linghu Chong: “…?”