Immortality begins with raising apprentices

Chapter 115 Azure Wave Sword Control, Beginner's Guide

Zhiwei was only a beginner in cultivation. Although he occasionally had flashes of inspiration, it was still a pipe dream for him to teach Chen Ye swordsmanship.

After playing with his two apprentices for a while,
Chen Ye stopped immediately to avoid upsetting Zhiwei, and sent the two girls home to sleep.

He began practicing the Azure Wave Sword Technique on his own.

However, as Li Yanfeng said, this sword is indeed very difficult to cultivate.

Chen Ye studied diligently until midnight, but still couldn't figure it out, until the proficiency panel popped up:
[Azure Wave Sword Technique: Proficiency +1]

At that moment, some previously unknown sword techniques became instantly clear to me.

Chen Ye's spirits lifted, and he immediately calmed his mind and began to fully comprehend the text.

With his proficiency panel, the profound mysteries of sword techniques that ordinary disciples would need months or even years to comprehend were as easy for him as a butcher dissecting an ox, progressing at lightning speed.

Silent all night.

The next day.

[Qinglan Sword Control Technique Beginner's Guide: 5/10]

Chen Ye rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

It takes one night to gain five points of proficiency.

At this rate, it would only take twenty-one days to master the sword technique known as the most difficult to cultivate on Zixiao Peak.

But Chen Ye's goal is not just to achieve great success...

At this time, it was still dark.

Since arriving at Rakurin,

The two apprentices then slept in separate rooms from Chen Ye.

Chen Ye hadn't paid attention to his two disciples' sleep status for a long time.

"Sigh... I'm really playing the role of mentor, mother, and child psychologist all at once..."

"I wonder if those two little girls are properly covered with their blankets."

Chen Ye muttered to himself, then quietly pushed open the door to the next room.

"crunch..."

The disciple's room door was never guarded.

Chen Ye easily pushed open the door.

The room was still dark, and with the faint light from the crack in the door, you could barely make out the two small figures curled up on the bed.

Qingjun's fair and tender little belly rose and fell in the cool morning breeze, making Chen Ye shake his head and think that this girl must be a mudfish.

He stepped forward and expertly tucked the blanket around her to keep the little one from catching a cold.

suddenly,

Chen Ye's brow twitched.

Wait, wasn't Qingjun's body shape a little off just now?
It seems to have gotten much bigger.

Chen Ye rubbed his temples. Could it be that his arduous sword practice yesterday had caused him to hallucinate today? Looking closely now, he saw that there was clearly no difference from usual.

He intended to lift the covers, but then he heard Qingjun's soft, sweet voice: "Master?"

"Qingjun?" Chen Ye called out tentatively in a low voice, afraid of waking Zhiwei, who might still be fast asleep beside him.

Qingjun didn't respond immediately, but blinked rapidly, as if trying to blink back the unruly wetness.

She sniffed, then pulled her little head out from under the covers and mumbled a "hmm," her voice thick with nasal tone, as if she had just been crying.

Those bright, phoenix-shaped eyes were red and swollen, like two ripe peaches, and the tip of her nose was also red, clearly indicating that she had shed many tears.

"What's wrong?" Chen Ye softened his voice and reached out to touch her forehead to see if she was feeling unwell. "Did you have a nightmare? Or is something else bothering you?"

Qingjun turned her head slightly away, avoiding his hand, and shrank further into the blankets, her voice still muffled: "Hmm! Qingjun had a terrible dream... but Qingjun wants to sleep now! Master, please leave!"

"Good good..."

Seeing this, Chen Ye had no choice but to slowly leave the room under Qing Jun's red-rimmed gaze.

This girl, she's not even grown up yet, and she's already trying to sever ties with her master?
……

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight appear, and the thin mist has not yet dissipated.

Chen Ye arrived at a secluded training ground on Zixiao Peak on time.

The area is open and surrounded by several ancient pine trees. The center of the courtyard is paved with bluestone, which is obviously where the disciples practice their swordsmanship.

Li Yanfeng was already standing with his hands behind his back in the center of the courtyard. When he saw Chen Ye arrive, he nodded slightly and asked with a serious expression, "Steward Chen, have you memorized the sword technique in the jade slip?"

Chen Ye smiled wryly and said, "Instructor Li is joking. This sword technique is profound. I am dull-witted and only find the sword moves complicated. As for the 'meaning of the Azure Waves,' it is really hard to grasp."

Li Yanfeng nodded slightly. This was within his expectations. If it were easy to comprehend, then this sword technique wouldn't be considered a top-grade technique from Zixiao Peak.

He said, “It’s alright, today I will explain the meaning of ‘Azure Waves’ to you. Azure Waves is derived from the vastness of the ocean and the fluidity of its blue waves, and also from the boundless sky and the endless blue heavens. When wielding a sword, it is not simply about using spiritual power to drive it, but also about integrating one’s own divine will into the sword and experiencing that sense of elegance and etherealness…”

Li Yanfeng began to explain in detail the general principles of the sword technique, as well as the key points of the first three levels of mental cultivation.

As he explained, he would sometimes point his fingers together like a sword, drawing lines in the air and creating gusts of wind to simulate the flow of sword energy; at other times, he would draw upon his own spiritual power to condense a wisp of pale blue sword light in his palm, demonstrating the condensation and release of sword intent.

Chen Ye listened intently. Li Yanfeng truly lived up to his reputation as an instructor at Zixiao Peak; his understanding of swordsmanship was indeed profound.

Many things that had puzzled him all night suddenly became clear after his explanation.

[Qinglan Sword Control Technique Beginner Level: Proficiency +1]

[Qinglan Sword Control Technique Beginner Level: Proficiency +1]

This is much faster than arduous spiritual practice.

Especially in the early stages of cultivation, one is most likely to receive guidance.

An hour later, Li Yanfeng stopped explaining and said, "No matter how much theory you talk about, it's all just empty talk. Fellow Daoist Chen, why don't you try to activate your sword and let this old man see how strong your foundation is?"

He thought to himself that Chen Ye, as a steward of spirit plants, was probably not good at swordsmanship. He might be skilled in using spiritual power, but his control over swords was probably very rough.

Chen Ye nodded and unfastened the dark iron sword behind him.

He took a deep breath and, following the method taught by Li Yanfeng, tried to draw upon the spiritual power in his dantian, circulating it along the specific meridians of the "Azure Wave Sword Control Technique," and then slowly channeling it into the iron sword, attempting to control the iron sword with his spiritual power.

But this iron sword was really heavy.

When spiritual energy is injected into it, the response is several times slower than that of an ordinary flying sword.

However, there was no other way; Chen Ye didn't have enough spirit stones to buy a new top-grade first-tier flying sword.

On the training ground, Chen Ye stood still. After a long struggle, the iron sword finally emitted a low hum, and the tip of the sword trembled slightly, but there was still no sign of it flying off the ground.

Li Yanfeng watched from the side, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

Even though he was mentally prepared, Li Yanfeng couldn't help but feel disappointed.

He cleared his throat, preparing to offer some advice, suggesting that Chen Ye switch to a lighter sword or start by practicing basic object manipulation techniques.

Chen Ye gritted his teeth, and his spiritual energy surged once more. The iron sword stuck in the ground finally emitted a clear, resonant sword cry, its blade trembling violently as it wobbled three inches off the ground. Li Yanfeng shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Steward Chen, the way of sword control lies in the unity of mind and sword, with the spirit moving freely. Your forced manipulation scatters your spiritual energy and disrupts the concentration of sword intent. How can you succeed? Very well, watch closely as I personally demonstrate to you what the meaning of 'Azure Waves' truly is!"

As he spoke, Li Yanfeng prepared to take out his sword from his storage bag.

But then I thought, in order to let Chen Ye experience it more directly, why not use his sword?

He stepped forward, reached out and grabbed the iron sword in Chen Ye's hand, casually saying, "I'll use your sword to show you..."

However, the moment his hand touched the simple iron hilt of the sword, his expression froze!
"Um?!"

Li Yanfeng felt an unexpectedly heavy force coming from the hilt of the sword. He subconsciously increased the force and finally managed to lift the iron sword from Chen Ye's hand.

Li Yanfeng was a flying sword instructor at the eighth level of Qi Refining, so naturally he couldn't possibly not lift it.

It's just that the weight of the iron sword wasn't anticipated at first.

"Hmm? This iron sword of yours must weigh over a hundred pounds, right?" Li Yanfeng's eyelids twitched. "Isn't this a standard low-grade magic weapon of the Lingbao Sect...?"

The iron sword originated from a failed attempt to forge by the Lingbao Sect.

Chen Ye explained, "I have reforged this sword twice. The second time I reforged it, its weight was exactly one hundred catties, and it was mixed with fifteen pieces of heavy gold."

"Sinking gold?"

Li Yanfeng was startled.

He had naturally heard of the name "Heavy Gold"—it was famously heavy! A single grain weighed five pounds!

Don't be fooled by the fact that this iron sword weighs a hundred pounds and doesn't seem particularly impressive.

But once it transforms into a high-speed flying sword...

Its power is so great that it could drive any opponent to despair!

Li Yanfeng took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and said in a deep voice, "Steward Chen, try flying on your sword again, so that I can take a closer look."

Chen Ye followed his instructions and activated his spiritual power once again.

This time, he felt confident.

because……

[Qinglan Sword Control Technique, Minor Mastery: 1/100]

"rise!"

With a clang, the heavy iron sword, which had been clumsy before, suddenly became agile!
Li Yanfeng nearly bit his tongue. This person, who could wield a flying sword weighing over a hundred pounds, would probably be able to reach the first level of the Azure Realm within seven days.

He remembered that the original Bai Li Zhenren was at the fifth level of the fifth day!
"Fellow Daoist Chen, your talent in swordsmanship is truly beyond expectation, it's just a pity..."

Li Yanfeng stopped mid-sentence, then realized his mistake and changed his words.

"She's much better than my unfilial daughter! Hmph, back then, it took her a month to even get the basics of the Azure Wave Sword Control Technique!"

Chen Ye had no intention of interfering in other people's affairs, and simply cupped his hands and smiled:
"Not at all, I just used this sword every day before, so I became skilled through practice."

He saw that Li Yanfeng had changed his address to "fellow Daoist".
He then pressed his advantage, saying, "Instructor Li, neither of us are disciples of the sect now, so there's no need for such formal titles. Since you are older than me, I will address you as Brother Li from now on!"

These past few days, he's been hoping Li Yanfeng would share all his knowledge with him, so naturally, the closer they get, the better.

Moreover, although this person's status is not high, it still depends on who he is compared to.

A flying sword instructor at the eighth level of Qi Refining possesses combat strength far exceeding that of others at the same level, and is also well-connected!

Li Yanfeng's affection for Chen Ye also increased.

He was immersed in the art of flying swordsmanship and was also an instructor, so he naturally admired cultivators like Chen Ye who had just learned flying swordsmanship and were showing talent.

Then Wenxian understood his meaning: "Indeed, it would be wonderful if we could become friends through flying swords!"

Before we knew it, the sun was already setting.

Seeing that it was getting late, Li Yanfeng said, "Let's end the guidance here for today, my dear brother. Your talent is truly admirable. If we have some free time, we can practice swordsmanship together, which will benefit both of us."

At this moment, he already regarded Chen Ye as a fellow swordsman with whom he could communicate on an equal footing, rather than merely a steward who had come to seek instruction.

"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask," Chen Ye said with a cupped hand and a smile. "Thank you for your guidance today, Brother Li."

The two said goodbye.

Li Yanfeng flew back to his home on Zixiao Peak on his sword, still deeply moved by the events of the day.

When Li Qiuyun saw her father return, he seemed much more relaxed than usual, so she asked curiously, "Father, is there something happy happening today? You seem to be in a good mood."

Li Yanfeng stroked his beard and smiled: "Do you still remember the fool I told you about the other day?"

"Is it... the one who exchanges a large number of spirit stones for contribution points?"

Li Qiuyun hesitated.

Exchanging 100 spirit stones for 70 contribution points is indeed a bit of a loss.

Within the sect, there are many elderly cultivators who wish to return home. Before returning, they will dispose of their contribution points and exchange them for spirit stones.

If you search slowly, one hundred spirit stones are enough to exchange for eighty-five contribution points.

That's a difference of fifteen points.

"Yes, who would have thought that person's flying sword talent was in no way inferior to those geniuses in the sect! It's just a pity that his cultivation level is a bit low and he's a bit old, so I'm afraid his talent for cultivation isn't good enough. He's currently a spirit plant master on the Herb Peak."

Li Yanfeng sighed more and more as he spoke.

The steward of Ben Cao Feng?

No way……

It can't be such a coincidence, right?

Li Qiuyun's palms were secretly sweating.

Li Yanfeng was lost in admiration for Chen Ye's swordsmanship talent, completely unaware of his daughter's unusual behavior.

He abruptly changed the subject, as if suddenly remembering something, and looked at Li Qiuyun with a scrutinizing gaze:

"Speaking of which, Qiuyun, where have you been these past few nights? You've been leaving early and returning late, your whereabouts are unpredictable. Could it be... that you've been secretly helping that spirit plant steward look after his two precious babies?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qiuyun blushed deeply, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, and hurriedly defended herself:
"Father! What nonsense are you talking about! Your daughter... your daughter went to find some familiar fellow disciples to discuss cultivation experiences together, not to help any spirit plant steward!"

"Oh? Very well then. But remember this! Don't go near that Spirit Plant Steward in the future. At his age, he's always looking for young female cultivators like you to play around with; he must have ill intentions!"

Li Yanfeng snorted coldly and left in displeasure.

Before leaving, he couldn't help but sigh:

"As for my esteemed brother Chen, he is also a spirit plant master, but he hasn't forgotten to cultivate the art of flying swords; his diligence is truly commendable..."

However, Li Qiuyun was stunned when she heard this.

Chen...Deacon Chen?

Is it Uncle Chen?
There are forty or fifty resident stewards on the Herbal Peak, and there are a total of three or four hundred stewards in various parts of Yan.

During this period, deacons from various regions would occasionally return to the clan to report on their duties...

With so many butlers, it can't be such a coincidence, right?
(End of this chapter)