Chapter Twenty-Seven: It Only Takes a Few Breaks to Heal

Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Few Setbacks Will Do

Chunyu Qian finally stopped his useless talk. With a swift flick of his fingers, he sealed Fang Junmei’s spiritual senses and powers, then reached into his storage pouch and produced a jade vial.

This time, the pill inside was pitch-black, exuding a strange and unfamiliar fragrance.

“After you swallow this pill, your sensation of thirst will be magnified infinitely. Boy, if you can’t endure until the effects fade, and end up tearing your own throat and bleeding to death, don’t blame me for failing to warn you. Don’t expect me to rescue you halfway—I won’t leave you any escape.”

Chunyu Qian handed the black pill to Fang Junmei.

Fang Junmei’s pupils contracted as he listened, and he couldn’t help but ask again, “How long will the effects of this pill last?”

Chunyu Qian laughed heartily. “Boy, don’t bother asking. I won’t answer you. Just focus on drawing out your body’s latent potential for me to see!”

This man seemed a cold and heartless monster, yet these words stirred Fang Junmei’s blood. After all, he was still a youth in his early twenties.

Hardening his gaze, Fang Junmei swallowed the pill.

Chunyu Qian nodded and walked out, closing the main doors behind him.

…

Beneath Medicine King Peak, Fang Junmei was undergoing his trial. Meanwhile, on the main peak, White Cloud Peak, a grand gathering was underway at a secluded estate halfway up the mountain.

The courtyard was spacious, with ancient trees towering overhead. Beneath the shade, three or four dozen figures stood or sat—some clustered in small groups, some alone.

Most appeared young, each with their own unique flair, yet all extraordinary, brimming with vigor.

Feng Jianmei of Rainbow Cloud Peak and Ji Nujiao of Embroidered Smoke Peak were both present. In terms of beauty and bearing, the two were unmatched among their peers. Yet today, the eyes of every cultivator were drawn to the lone figure seated at the stone table.

He appeared twenty-seven or twenty-eight—handsome, refined, with not a single flaw to be found. Even seated, his tall stature was evident; broad-shouldered, he blended elegance with an undercurrent of dominance. This fusion of gentleness and strength gave him an air of both literary grace and martial prowess.

Clad in a fitted gold robe embroidered with clouds, he looked, at a glance, like a radiant sun, his presence outshining all others.

His long black hair was meticulously groomed, his brows were long and elegant, and his eyes calm and deep—like twin tranquil seas. Below his straight nose, his lips curled in a poised, easy smile—delicate and confident.

This was the bearing only found among those whom the great sects cultivated with utmost hope—youths both diligent and formidable.

He was Gu Xijin, the senior brother of the young generation of the Peach Blossom Sword Sect!

…

Gu Xijin was surrounded like the moon by stars, every gaze upon him filled with respect and admiration—even Ji Nujiao and Feng Jianmei were no exception. Many female cultivators looked at him with open adoration.

Heroes and beauties were a common pairing in the cultivation world—more so when Gu Xijin’s future seemed limitless. If one could attach herself to such a promising figure, her own path of cultivation might well become smooth and easy.

To have passed Chunyu Qian’s trials, Gu Xijin’s character was naturally exceptional. He took in the crowd’s expressions, a spring breeze of a smile on his lips, though his eyes remained utterly serene.

“Senior Brother, since your recent seclusion, have you broken through to the second realm of swordsmanship? If you have, why not display a few techniques and broaden our horizons?”

A burst of laughter accompanied the question.

The speaker was a youth, nine feet tall and built like a mountain. Standing there, his back straight, he was a human peak, radiating powerful masculinity and an overwhelming presence.

His face was square, his hair mid-length and wavy like a lion’s mane, with a fierce fighting spirit hidden deep in his eyes. Dressed in a dark blue fitted outfit, a massive sword five or six feet long hung across his broad back, making him all the more intimidating.

His name was Yue Yu, the senior brother of this generation at Rising Sun Peak. Even so, before Gu Xijin, he also had to address him as senior brother.

At these words, the crowd’s eyes brightened.

Especially those like Feng Jianmei and Ji Nujiao—they had each comprehended the first realm of swordsmanship, but could not break through to the second.

“Indeed, Senior Brother, don’t be stingy with us,” others chimed in, the atmosphere light and cheerful.

Gu Xijin smiled slightly. “Fellow disciples, the fruits of cultivation are not meant for display. Only by maintaining a steady heart can one forge ahead.”

With these words, he had tacitly admitted his breakthrough.

Though disappointed, the crowd was also awed.

Even among the elders of the inner and outer sects, few had grasped the second realm of swordsmanship. Among the young generation, those who had even reached the first realm were rare.

Gu Xijin was truly a prodigy.

Some in the crowd, long striving to catch up to him, now felt a sense of discouragement.

“Senior Brother, if you will not demonstrate, could you at least offer us some guidance? I have lingered at the threshold for some time, unable to progress.”

The voice was cold and melodious as celestial music.

It was Feng Jianmei who spoke, and even when seeking Gu Xijin’s advice, she maintained her air of aloof elegance.

At her words, everyone’s eyes shone.

After all, their main purpose in coming was to receive some of Gu Xijin’s guidance. Even those yet to grasp the first realm of swordsmanship pricked up their ears.

Though all had their own masters, drawing inferences from multiple sources was never a bad thing.

Such exchanges among fellow disciples fostered harmony and reinforced Gu Xijin’s reputation as the future sect leader—so the sect did not discourage it.

For a moment, the courtyard fell silent.

…

“This time, it was only thanks to a rare treasure I chanced upon while traveling that I comprehended the second realm of swordsmanship. Yet, in the process, I still had some insights. Since my fellow disciples wish to hear, I shall share what little I have.”

Gu Xijin spoke graciously—modest, approachable, never aloof.

“Thank you, Senior Brother,” everyone replied in unison.

Gu Xijin was about to speak when his gaze swept the crowd. “Several disciples from Medicine King Peak and Immovable Peak have not yet arrived. Why not wait a bit longer?”

He added, “Perhaps they aren’t aware I’ve left seclusion. Would two of my junior brothers please go and invite them to join us?”

Ever tactful, Gu Xijin showed no displeasure at the two peaks’ absence, instead proposing to invite them. Whether it was genuine or not was unclear.

“Senior Brother, there’s no need to bother—they’re always an odd bunch,” someone said with a chill in his tone.

The speaker was a tall, thin youth of ordinary appearance and pale complexion, who stood alone, exuding an air of cold aloofness. His name was Fang Henqiu, the senior brother of this generation at Green Tree Peak.

“Mind your words, Junior Brother. We are all of the same sect. Don’t create discord over nothing,” Gu Xijin replied mildly, though his voice carried authority.

Fang Henqiu said nothing, his eyes betraying a trace of disdain.

“Senior Brother, though Fang’s words were inappropriate, those two peaks’ disciples rarely attend such gatherings. They’re unlikely to come anyway,” another added, smoothing things over.

It was a short, plump middle-aged man, his face round and prosperous, with shrewd eyes like a worldly merchant.

His name was You Da, the senior brother of this generation at Grand Void Peak. Though unremarkable at first glance, he had inherited the swordsmanship essence of his master, the Yin-Yang Sword Immortal Murong Hanchan, and was a formidable opponent.

“What makes you say so, Junior Brother?” Gu Xijin asked.

You Da replied, “Senior Brother, you’ve been secluded too long to know—Tao Xi of Medicine King Peak suffered some mishap while ingesting a pill bestowed by his master. He has been in seclusion, healing ever since, and refuses all visitors.”

Gu Xijin nodded in understanding.

You Da continued, “The chief elder of the outer sect, Ning Jiuyi, has already announced that he will challenge Immovable Peak in the upcoming sect competition. Since Uncle Master Cuo Tuo is in deep slumber, the challenge falls to his disciples. Fan Lanzhou and the others are all in arduous training.”

After hearing this, Gu Xijin shook his head and smiled. “Uncle Ning is quite the schemer.”

Everyone laughed together.

“Junior Brother, you seem to have forgotten—there’s a new disciple at Immovable Peak. He could be invited,” someone remarked.

“Immovable Peak has recruited a new disciple?” Gu Xijin’s eyes flashed, showing interest in Immovable Peak for the first time.

Everyone nodded, and someone quickly recounted Fang Junmei’s arrival in detail. As they spoke of the peak masters all vying to take him as their disciple, a rare flicker of surprise crossed the ever-composed Gu Xijin’s eyes.

“There’s no need to invite this Junior Fang, either. I hear he’s undertaken Uncle Chunyu’s trial as a test subject. I saw him with Song Shedde flying toward Medicine King Peak today—he surely won’t be able to come for some time,” came a sweet, languorous voice.

It was Ji Nujiao, speaking with elegant nonchalance—her seductive demeanor captivating more than a few eyes.

Gu Xijin, unmoved, glanced at her and asked, “Do you know how many stages Junior Fang has cleared in this trial?”

Ji Nujiao replied, “Forgive me, Senior Brother—I do not know.”

Gu Xijin nodded, a strange pondering look in his eyes.

“I heard that as soon as this Junior Fang had some success, he beat up Xiao Yunyu, who serves under Uncle Ning. I suspect there’ll be quite a show during the upcoming sect competition,” someone laughed, clearly relishing the prospect of chaos.

“This Junior Fang once declared that outer sect disciples are unworthy to call him brother, which caused quite a stir. He’s likely to suffer a loss at the hands of Uncle Ning’s disciples even before they act,” added another, fanning the flames.

Gu Xijin listened with a complex expression, then suddenly smiled. “Geniuses are always somewhat proud. A few setbacks will temper that.”

The crowd burst into laughter, each one displaying the arrogance of those who guide the fate of the sect.

Since neither peak’s disciples would be coming, Gu Xijin did not delay further and began to share his insights and experiences.

What followed concerned only Gu Xijin’s teachings, having nothing to do with Immovable Peak or Fang Junmei, and need not be recounted here.

…

Meanwhile, in the volcanic chamber beneath Medicine King Peak, Fang Junmei was enduring his fourth trial.

No sooner had he swallowed the pill than an overwhelming thirst began to rise within him. Fortunately, he had experienced something similar while drifting across the seas and was able to endure for now.

But as time passed, the sensation of thirst grew, blazing within him like a raging fire.