Chapter 17: A Century of Wither and Bloom, All Within a Single Dream

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The emergence of the Sword Cliff sent shockwaves through the Truth-Seeking Sect. All the disciples were stirred by it. Every available Taoist hurried over to have a look. They marveled at the mighty power of the masters who severed the cliff with a single sword strike, praising their boldness in carving out the Sword Cliff. They rejoiced at having gained a precious place to cultivate swordsmanship and enlightenment.

Some disciples with keen comprehension gained insights at first glance. They immediately practiced the Eight Trigrams Sword Technique on the spot, breaking through their bottlenecks and elevating their skill from basic proficiency to a modest accomplishment, even reaching a level of profound understanding, greatly enhancing their mastery of the sword way.

There were those in the midst of their hundred-day foundation-building stage who felt a chill run through their bodies while observing. It was as if a sword pierced directly through their ancestral roots—like a white tiger—cutting them cleanly in two with a smooth, precise incision. Most strikingly, the one wielding such a ruthless sword to self-castrate was none other than themselves, instantly quieting their restless thoughts.

Some long-time disciples, witnessing the second sword scar, swung their swords with sword qi roaring and sword light splitting apart. They comprehended the sword’s intent and perfected the Eight Trigrams Sword Technique, their strength improving by leaps and bounds.

Of course, these fortunate few were in the minority. Their realizations were inseparable from their usual accumulation of experience and unwavering faith. Success depended seventy percent on effort and thirty percent on luck. The Sword Cliff was merely a catalyst, where chance and inevitability coexisted, both indispensable.

Most disciples gained nothing upon their first observation of the Sword Cliff’s scars—that was the norm. To obtain insight required their own diligence and relentless contemplation.

Even so, with some outstanding disciples setting shining examples, others were inspired and encouraged. The Sword Cliff, upon its emergence, soon became somewhat renowned within the Truth-Seeking Sect.

Witnessing Xuan Ming carve out the Sword Cliff firsthand, the three generations of Taoists—Xuan Kong, Xuan Yang, and others—benefited immensely.

After introducing the Sword Cliff and announcing the rules, they departed one after another, eager to return and enter seclusion to ponder their gains. Even the sect leader, Xuan Xu, was no exception.

Yet one individual took a different path, choosing not to return to his residence but heading straight to the Hidden Dao Peak.

———

Hidden Dao Peak, Scripture Pavilion.

The fragrance of tea filled the air, refreshing and uplifting the spirit.

Holding a scripture in hand, Xuan Ming read attentively.

To him, the Sword Cliff was but a brief interlude. Though it had taken some effort and ingenuity, it had not demanded great exertion; after all, it was merely a place for disciples to practice swordsmanship.

Everything has its weight and priority. For the cultivation of the Way and longevity, studying scriptures and delving into the profound was paramount; everything else was mere trifles.

Half an hour later, Xuan Ming was not surprised to see junior sister Xuan Su arrive uninvited.

The love of parents for their children is deep and far-reaching.

The secret of Chang Ning had been exposed before him. Now that he had emerged from seclusion, given Xuan Su’s care and concern for Chang Ning, she would surely come to entrust him to keep the secret.

“Greetings, senior brother!”

Xuan Su bowed respectfully.

Setting aside his scripture, Xuan Ming rose to return the greeting.

At his gesture, the two sat facing each other.

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Steam rose from the boiling tea, swirling into mist, the aroma wafting delicately.

Neither spoke; silence hung between them.

Xuan Ming patiently brewed the tea; Xuan Su hesitated, wanting to speak.

“This is wild mountain tea I brewed during my leisure. Though a rustic brew unworthy of fine tea status, it carries a unique flavor. Junior sister might try some.”

He washed the cups, warmed them, and brewed the tea.

Pushing a cup of clear tea toward Xuan Su, Xuan Ming broke the silence first, then quietly drank his own.

Xuan Su softly blew on her cup, revealing the jade-green tea soup. The leaves floated like light boats on the water, graceful and poetic.

She took a small sip; the tea entered her mouth with a blend of sweetness and bitterness, blooming on her tongue. A warm current spread through her body, like spring breezes brushing over hills, imbued with natural vitality, refreshing and soothing. Though not a famed tea, its taste was pleasant.

“The wild tea’s fragrance is delightful, dispelling worldly worries. Senior brother truly knows how to savor life.”

Xuan Su sighed sincerely.

Having finished the cup, her anxious heart eased somewhat. She set down the cup and finally spoke without hesitation.

“Chang Ning’s breakthrough owes much to senior brother’s meticulous guidance. I, junior sister, hereby express my gratitude.”

Xuan Su rose and bowed deeply.

Xuan Ming accepted the thanks without affectation, sitting calmly before the desk.

After all, it was an undeniable fact.

“Thank you also, senior brother, for not exposing Chang Ning’s identity and for strengthening her sealing.”

Xuan Su bowed again.

Xuan Ming continued to accept it with equanimity.

Then Xuan Su resumed her seat, cutting to the chase.

“Senior brother is wise beyond measure and must have guessed why I came. Since you already know Chang Ning’s identity, I will no longer hide it. Chang Ning is—”

Before she could finish, Xuan Ming waved his hand to interrupt.

Pouring another cup of tea, he asked, “Would Chang Ning or you pose any harm to the Truth-Seeking Sect?”

Xuan Su shook her head resolutely.

“We, mother and daughter, were raised in the Truth-Seeking Sect since childhood. The sect has bestowed great kindness upon us. We would never repay kindness with betrayal. Should the sect ever need us in the future, we are willing to give our all, even our lives.”

Her expression was earnest, each word sincere.

Xuan Ming nodded and continued,

“If I require Chang Ning to remain on the mountain until becoming a Qi Refining Immortal and not descend, would you agree? And can Chang Ning truly comply?”

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Xuan Su gave a solemn assurance.

“Senior brother, rest assured. I have already planned for this. Half a month ago, after Chang Ning understood her identity, she agreed with me to live quietly, without concern for worldly affairs, and to die peacefully in the mountains.”

Taking a gentle sip of tea, Xuan Ming said calmly, “Very well. You may return.”

“All beings under heaven follow their own paths, their own destinies, each with stories of joy and sorrow, birth and death, love and hatred—an intricate tangle of complexity. As long as it does not endanger the sect, I have no interest in delving into your past troubles.”

“As for Chang Ning, all I know is that she is your daughter, my junior niece, and a disciple of the Truth-Seeking Sect.”

“Everything else is of no consequence.”

Xuan Su was momentarily stunned but quickly realized, feeling both delighted and moved. She rose swiftly and bowed once more.

“Thank you, senior brother.”

Xuan Ming waved off her gratitude casually.

After Xuan Su left, he finished his tea and continued reading the scripture.

His earlier words were heartfelt.

He held little interest in junior sister Xuan Su’s past.

A hundred years of minor rises and falls pass like a fleeting dream. Beyond longevity, nothing truly matters.

As long as it does not interfere with his cultivation, everything else is superficial. Whether little Chang Ning is human or half-demon, the matter can be great or small.

If she descends the mountain, there is the risk of exposure, which is naturally significant. If she remains, the issue can be minimized.

Cultivators of the Dao must have a broad perspective, an open heart, and a magnanimous mindset. Chang Ning may be half-demon, but her birth is not of her choosing, nor has she committed any fault. Why fuss over it?

Half-demons find cultivation more difficult. By the time Chang Ning reaches the Qi Refining Immortal stage, he will likely have reached Spirit Refinement. By then, not only will she possess some ability to protect herself, but even if her identity is revealed, he can cover for her.

In many matters, there is no longer a need to be constrained.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw junior sister Xuan Su’s figure shrink until it became a mere speck. Quietly, he transmitted a voice:

“Young people are restless. Chang Ning is still young and confined to the Plain Maiden Peak; she is bound to feel stifled. Over time, her body and mind could become oppressed. As long as she does not leave Floating Cloud Mountain, let her roam freely, immerse herself in nature, and nurture her body and spirit. This will also aid her cultivation.”

“With the dual restrictions imposed by you and me, no one in the Truth-Seeking Sect will uncover her identity.”

Upon hearing this, Xuan Su trembled slightly.

She glanced back at the Scripture Pavilion and sent a word of thanks by voice transmission.