Si Yan looked at his eldest disciple with a half-smile. “Old habits are starting to act up again, aren’t they?”
In truth, all of Si Yan’s disciples had personality issues. Although Mo Junheng usually didn’t say much, he actually had a big mouth. He especially loved to reveal the secrets of others. If he found out about something important, it was impossible for him to keep it hidden for even one day.
That was why Si Yan immediately issued a threat the moment he saw the signs of Mo Junheng about to expose his master’s past embarrassments and scandals in front of their Junior Sister. Moreover, Si Yan had suffered a great loss because of him once before, which had made his life quite miserable.
Of course, the price for teasing his Honored Master was something the fellow had already paid in full. That was why he was so wary now.
The First Senior Brother knew the consequences, so he immediately chose to change his tune.
As for Bai Lan, Si Yan remembered that he had originally tailored some girls’ dresses for him to wear out of a sense of boredom and loneliness. However, things spiraled out of control. By the time Si Yan realized the severity of the situation, it was already too late. As soon as Bai Lan put on those dresses, his gentle and elegant personality underwent a drastic change. He became an entirely different person. Not only did he believe he was beautiful, but his behavior also became extreme and exceptionally cruel.
Among the three disciples, the most normal one was Yuling. However, ever since Yuling returned from the Xuannv Sect, he had become withdrawn. He went from being a cheerful young man to someone who spent every day either staring at the sky or watching ants on the ground. Sometimes, when Si Yan woke up in the middle of the night, he would see him wandering in the courtyard or sitting in a tree watching the stars.
Fortunately, Su Tao’er had joined them now, which gave Si Yan a great deal of comfort.
With everyone present in the Destiny Pavilion, Si Yan felt things were quite good. He remembered when his three disciples would go out for their respective trials or leave the Phantom Sea. When they weren’t home, the place was quite lonely. He would spend all day either sleeping or sitting in the pavilion watching the fish. He was naturally incredibly lazy, so having to cook for himself every day was a huge hassle. With his disciples around, someone was always there to even brew his tea, making his life very pleasant.
Soon, it began to rain again. However, this kind of rain felt very refreshing. The temperature dropped slightly, and the sound of the wind blowing the droplets created a rhythmic pitter-patter that was full of poetic charm.
Su Tao’er sat upright, holding the pencil Si Yan had given her, and was busy writing a letter. It seemed she wanted to send it to her family far away.
However, Su Tao’er wasn’t wearing her Taoist Uniform today. It seemed the one she washed yesterday was not yet dry.
‘It’s a pity,’ he thought secretly. ‘I should have made a few more.’
The process for making those silk stockings was indeed troublesome. Even for Si Yan, making a single set took a long time.
Seeing that their break was nearly over, Si Yan said to Su Tao’er, “Tao’er, your Senior Brothers are all here today. Go and demonstrate your swordplay for them.”
At those words, Yuling, who had been staring down at moving ants, paused for a moment. Bai Lan, who had been reading a collection of poetry, also looked over. The First Senior Brother, Mo Junheng, smiled as he pressed down on his bamboo hat.
“Your Senior Brothers each have their own accomplishments. Even as your Master, there are times when my insight isn’t as sharp as theirs. Step forward and perform for a bit. Let them find where your problems lie and help you shape your state of mind.”
Su Tao’er had seen Bai Lan’s strength. Furthermore, since the First Senior Brother — who appeared unfathomable and very powerful, and was indeed very powerful — was also present, she naturally didn’t dare to be negligent. She quickly gripped her sword and stepped forward, asking nervously, “Honored Master, should I perform the first three styles?”
Si Yan nodded. “Do as you wish. Just don’t be nervous. Relax, and you’ll do fine.”
The Thirty-Six Styles of Azure Stars.
This was Si Yan’s natal sword technique. It was also what his two disciples practiced. Even Yuling’s blade techniques had been evolved from it.
Su Tao’er didn’t hold back. From the Sword Condensing Form to the Sword Tempering Form and then the Sword Chanting Form, every movement she made was perfectly standard. With her cultivation at the Xiantian Realm, she pushed each move almost to its limit! She performed several sword flourishes in a row, causing everyone in the pavilion to feel a sense of admiration.
“Honored Master, Junior Sister’s talent is excellent. She is not inferior to the First Senior Brother or me,” Bai Lan said as he folded his fan.
“Not bad,” Mo Junheng added, pressing his hat down.
Yuling turned his head to look after the sword dance was finished before lowering his head to watch the ants again. Although he didn’t offer an opinion, everyone realized that he had also given his silent approval.
“Indeed. For Tao’er’s level of cultivation, she is already very outstanding. The Thirty-Six Styles of Azure Stars are ever-changing in every style. For her to be able to use her Xiantian cultivation to drive the heart method in coordination is certainly good.”
Su Tao’er was secretly delighted by the praise, but she remained humble. “Master, Senior Brothers, I still have many shortcomings. I hope you can guide me.”
Bai Lan nodded. “Shortcomings are inevitable. Everyone has them.”
After a pause, Si Yan smiled. “There are indeed shortcomings. Something is indeed lacking.”
Su Tao’er said uneasily, “Please guide me, Master and Senior Brothers.”
At that, Si Yan gave Bai Lan a look. Bai Lan understood immediately and stepped forward to explain, “Junior Sister, you have not yet comprehended Sword Intent.”
Bai Lan walked to the front courtyard and drew his Silver-patterned Flexible Sword from his waist. He spoke slowly, “Only by comprehending Sword Intent can you truly understand swordplay — a swordplay that belongs to you. Only with Sword Intent can you simplify your techniques and move with absolute control.”
As he finished speaking, Bai Lan suddenly thrust his sword forward. A burst of Sword Qi, brilliant as white heat and soaring like a rainbow, swept forward with astonishing momentum! In an instant, the heavy rain falling above them was shattered into a fine mist!
“Sword Intent is a state of mind. It is the source of the Divine Soul and the manifestation of your own condensed will. There are thousands of Great Daos in the world, and both Sword Intent and Blade Intent are infinitely varied.”
Bai Lan retracted his sword and took a step back.
Si Yan looked at Mo Junheng. “You go too.”
Obeying the command, Mo Junheng stepped forward with his sword. “Junior Sister, I will not draw my sword. However, I have already condensed my Sword Intent onto myself, branding it into the source of my Divine Soul!”
As he spoke, compared to Bai Lan, who hadn’t utilized his cultivation, Mo Junheng’s aura suddenly surged in front of Su Tao’er!
In a mere instant, he had condensed the power of his Three Souls and Seven Po, tempering them into a Primordial Spirit! His Primordial Spirit emerged from his body, the phantom appearing incredibly tall and majestic! That phantom of the Primordial Spirit was also standing with a sword. Even though it didn’t strike, it contained a crushing Sword Intent!
Su Tao’er was instantly speechless, her mouth hanging wide open in shock.
She knew her Senior Brothers were powerful and had witnessed Bai Lan’s strength, but seeing this massive Primordial Spirit still gave her a massive psychological shock.
Seeing this, Bai Lan sneered. “Show-off. How old is Junior Sister? And you’re already using your Primordial Spirit.”
Si Yan nodded, also slightly annoyed. “That’s just how he is.”
“Yuling, you as well. Give her a demonstration,” Si Yan reminded.
Yuling paused for a moment and said dully, “Honored Master, I am a Blade Cultivator…”
“No matter. Show her your Blade Intent,” he gestured. “Only by comprehending Blade Intent or Sword Intent can one truly condense their blade or sword techniques.”
Taking the command, Yuling reached back and pulled out a steel blade about half an arm’s length from somewhere.
Without even lifting his head, he swung the blade toward the sky.
*Whoosh!*
A fierce blade light suddenly erupted, peerlessly hard and strong, instantly scattering the rain! It shot straight into the clouds!
In that moment, an astonishing rift was sliced through the rain clouds high above!