Chapter Fifty-Five: Defiance

After half a month, Green Mountain gradually became lively again.

The white fox lay lazily beside the ancient well of the spirit spring, with Xiao Bao sitting nearby. The little one’s round head was topped by a drowsy young fox. On the other side, Yang Mu held a rough bamboo sword; his movements appeared slow, yet their underlying mystery made even the golden core demons’ eyes light up.

The Innate Moonlight Sword Scripture—worthy of its reputation as a superior technique—could easily serve as a sect’s treasured inheritance if taken outside.

“Not bad,” the white fox nodded.

“Just barely started,” Yang Mu responded with a smile, having grown accustomed to the presence of this great demon. He hadn’t been in the sect long, nor had he ventured out to deal with demon clans, so his wariness was slight. Thanks to Xiao Bao’s “reminders,” he maintained a respectful attitude toward the white fox.

He put away the bamboo sword and jogged over to sit at the spirit spring’s edge, closing his eyes to begin breathing exercises.

Yang Mu, whose sea of qi had been destroyed in the Twin Moon Cavern, was reduced to an ordinary mortal. But now, using an innate technique two ranks above the Eastern Yue breathing method, with few people on Green Mountain and a spirit spring meant to sustain hundreds of disciples all at their disposal, his cultivation recovered rapidly—he was nearly back to the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

Sensing the fluctuations of spiritual energy around him, the white fox’s eyes flashed with surprise. The ruby-like eyes glanced at Xiao Bao, then at Yang Mu, feeling faintly odd. Was this the aura that Qi Refining cultivators should have? They could easily be mistaken for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Not far off, at the cliff’s edge, Lin Ze sat with a teacup in his left hand and a plate of fruit to his right—all freshly picked wild fruit gathered by the little one and the young fox roaming the mountain.

A gentle breeze blew; the atmosphere was leisurely and carefree.

He couldn’t be bothered to fight with that group over spiritual energy.

Not to mention Xiao Bao, whose talent was off the charts—even Yang Mu had eleven points, and after practicing the innate technique, gained an extra point. Since joining, his trust rating had soared to nine points. Now his character card had crossed into the rare tier, totaling sixty-three points, barely reaching the epic standard.

As a cultivator with only three points, practicing breathing exercises alongside them—even with a much higher cultivation—would be quite difficult.

Not to mention, the two foxes were also major consumers of spiritual energy.

Fortunately, Wang Yao wasn’t around; otherwise, he’d hardly get a sip.

As a master, one must always yield to apprentices.

Thinking this, Lin Ze popped a Foundation Establishment Pill into his mouth, ending today’s breathing practice.

The bottleneck of his realm was loosening; within two months, he’d likely break through to late Foundation Establishment.

Most of his simulator sessions lately had been spent modeling himself.

Both his Innate True Fire and Moonlight Sword Scripture had reached perfection, and the mid-grade Twin Moon Lightness Technique was now thoroughly mastered.

Besides, every day several outer sect disciples came up the mountain seeking guidance.

Lin Ze picked and chose from among them, unexpectedly finding quite a few useful little tricks.

For example, a minor spell called Gentle Breeze and Fine Rain, which made washing hair easy, and something like Palm Flame, perfect for warming tea.

Practicing techniques and enjoying the scenery each day, life was hardly dull.

At this moment, at the foot of Green Mountain—

A tall, graceful figure slowly stepped onto the stone-paved mountain path, her face somewhat weary.

...

...

Within a small courtyard on Clear Wind Mountain—

Su Bailu’s gaze wandered, her Dao sword cloaked in an invisible chill.

A few dried leaves fell to the ground.

Zhao Ling lay sprawled on the stone table nearby, chin propped up by her hands, a basket of fruit beside her.

Seeing Su Bailu finally put away her sword, Zhao Ling stood up in delight, complaining, “Finally! Let’s go, let’s go!”

Su Bailu looked at her helplessly. “I’m only going to visit Master—not out for fun. Why are you so excited?”

Last time they returned to Xiao Family Village, it was the same; her senior sister’s restless nature was as persistent as ever.

“Staying in the courtyard practicing all day is suffocating me,” Zhao Ling rolled her eyes, teasing, “Roaming other peaks isn’t bad either… Besides, it’s been ages since we’ve seen Senior Lin. Who knows how Green Mountain is now—maybe he’s still alone there?”

Her voice carried outside, making the steps of the jade-faced young cultivator momentarily falter, his smile fading.

The two women picked up their fruit basket, bantering as they left.

Zhao Ling turned with a bright smile, but suddenly froze, sweat beading on her forehead as she stammered, “Elder… Elder Qingfeng.”

The young cultivator ignored her, instead gazing quietly at Su Bailu, his eyes lingering on her fruit basket, a shadow crossing his gaze as he smiled faintly, “Is this prepared for your teacher?”

Zhao Ling’s heart clenched; this late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could certainly hear what she’d said just now.

This was trouble!

She quickly signaled to Su Bailu, hoping they could muddle through the situation.

But Su Bailu lowered her eyes, then gently shook her head. “You’re mistaken, Master. I intended to visit another teacher.”

At these words, Zhao Ling’s heart sank.

Even if they had to tell the truth, using a term like ‘Senior’ would be far better than ‘teacher’ right now.

Why be so honest!

Sure enough, the young man’s expression darkened, his tone cold: “What other teacher could you possibly have?”

“He’s the one who guided me before I entered the sect,” Su Bailu explained, looking up.

...

Elder Qingfeng slowly turned away, silent for a long time, his voice low: “I remember now. You did join the sect with cultivation, though your foundation was weak and your understanding of cultivation full of flaws. So you were taught by a rogue cultivator—no wonder.”

His words were rather cutting, but Su Bailu merely frowned slightly, saying nothing more.

“Such disposition is admirable, but since you’ve joined the Immortal Sect, you must learn to let go of worldly attachments,” the young man glanced back at her.

“The outer sect competition is imminent—don’t waste time.”

If she understood, she ought to obediently return to the courtyard, preferably discarding that damned fruit basket.

Zhao Ling timidly tugged at Su Bailu’s sleeve, lowering her head and whispering, “Come on, let’s go back.”

In other sects, elders of greater age might understand such things.

But who was Elder Qingfeng, Li Qianchen?

He was forced to inherit his father’s Dao legacy before forty, gifted enough to be hailed as a potential golden core prodigy.

The previous elder had fallen to a beast; at that time, Li Qianchen was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and within a decade, he broke through to late Foundation Establishment.

Clear Wind Mountain ranked little higher than Green Mountain, but everyone believed the sect would rise again within a century.

Famous at a young age, his ambition soared higher than the sky.

How could someone like him tolerate a disciple with another master?

Zhao Ling could see he was on the verge of anger—now was not the time to provoke him.

The next moment, Su Bailu bit her lip, her gaze resolute. “I have never dared to slack in cultivation, Master. Please rest assured.”

...

Zhao Ling sighed, unsure whether to call her naive or foolish—this wasn’t about the competition at all.

Li Qianchen’s eyes narrowed, a cold smile curling at his lips.

Was this girl… defying him?