Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

Autumn of the year 6363 in the astrological calendar.

Yaoqing fairy boat.

Inside the Cloud Cavalry's attack precision individual training ground, a beautiful figure is undergoing high-intensity training that is unimaginable to ordinary people.

Jingliu held his breath and focused intently, his longsword moving so fast that even afterimages were hard to catch, the sharp sound of tearing through the air echoing continuously.

Ten sword lights flashed out almost simultaneously, sweeping past ten high-speed moving simulated targets of evil creatures.

The light representing a precise hit flashed ten times in a row, and the timer finally stopped at 0.18 seconds.

In 0.18 seconds, all ten swords hit their mark.

This is the third time she has broken her own record today, but she feels it's not enough.

Jingliu wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, recalling the indifferent look in his master's eyes when he looked at him not long ago.

"Adjust the gravity multiplier to five times."

She issued instructions to the control center.

The gravity in the training field increased rapidly, and the invisible pressure was like a mountain pressing down, even the floorboards creaked under the weight.

Jingliu slightly lowered his shoulders, trying to adapt to the sudden increase in workload.

Simply fulfilling the targets set by the master is not enough to earn even a single look of approval.

You must constantly surpass your past self and break records time and time again.

Only in this way can we catch up with his figure more quickly.

……

In the days that followed, Kagami-ryu was no different from the tireless mechanics.

With her current physical condition, she is indeed capable of supporting such high-intensity special training.

Sweating profusely in the training ground at dawn, the weight of the star iron sand used for carrying the load was gradually increased from a thousand catties to a maximum of two thousand catties.

At noon, she wielded her sword against the current beneath the giant waterfall. The terrifying water pressure assaulted every inch of her skin, yet it couldn't make her posture even slightly sway.

She moved swiftly through the agility training ground at dusk, her movements ghostly, making it difficult for any hidden attacks or traps to even touch the hem of her clothes.

A month later, she completed all the targets set by Qi Zhimu ahead of schedule.

A month and a half later, the intensity of all training programs was doubled.

On the day her three-month term ended, she stood before the giant waterfall that seemed to have split half of the mountain in two by a sword, her expression blank.

After a long while, Jingliu sheathed his sword and felt the wondrous energy flowing within his body.

That is the true energy that Master once spoke of, cultivated through the dantian.

Regardless of fists, feet, or weapons, as long as they are imbued with true qi, their destructive power will increase exponentially.

She finally realized the vast difference between controlling a sword with qi and controlling a sword with divine sense.

Using her inner energy to control swords, she can now wield 681 flying swords, and is not limited to the famous artifacts forged by the craftsmen of the Crafts Bureau.

Not only ordinary sharp blades, but even wooden swords can be used.

A scene from my childhood that left a deep impression on me came to mind.

That year, she challenged her master, and the image of her master riding a sword onto the stage is still etched in her memory.

Now I realize just how valuable that seemingly flashy move really was.

Those who fail to cultivate true qi through the dantian are simply incapable of controlling the wooden sword.

"All targets have been exceeded."

Jingliu's lips curled into a very faint smile, eager to see his master's surprised expression, even if it was just for a moment.

As long as her image can be reflected in those always calm and still eyes, all the hardship is worthwhile.

Filled with anticipation, Kagami piloted his Starship, speeding home despite the speed limit.

Unfortunately, due to certain unforeseen circumstances, temporary air traffic control is in effect in the airspace for both civil and military aircraft within the cave, and the Starship is temporarily prohibited from flying.

Jingliu didn't care much, and his running speed on land was equally swift.

However, as she leaped onto the courtyard wall, her expression suddenly froze.

In the courtyard, fallen ginkgo leaves covered the ground.

In the corridor not far away, two figures were embracing tightly.

It's Master and Senior Mianxue...

Qi Zhimu stood with his back to the courtyard gate, his tall body leaning slightly forward, his face buried deep in Mianxue's neck.

Mianxue wrapped her arms around his waist, almost hanging on him, her body trembling slightly, as if she was enduring something, or perhaps responding to something.

The sight of them whispering sweet nothings made Jingliu's heart skip a beat, and he felt a faint pang of pain.

The joy of successfully completing training, improving skills, and being eager to share it with the master quickly faded in front of this picture.

Indeed, not only was it chilly, but even the sleeping snow...

She instinctively wanted to turn around and leave, but her feet seemed to be rooted to the spot, holding her firmly in place.

She saw Mianxue slightly raise her chin, her usually calm face flushed with a light blush, her expression dreamy, completely different from her usual self.

Jingliu forgot to breathe for a moment, until he tasted blood on his clenched lips, and only then did he force himself to calm down.

But a nameless longing always lingers in my heart.

I want to...I want to switch places with Mianxue...

Reason ultimately prevailed over impulse; years of special training had forged Jingliu's will into something quite resilient.

She held her breath and quietly retreated from the courtyard wall, went around to the rest area, and silently stepped into the house through the back door.

After an unknown amount of time, Qi Zhimu and Mianxue returned to the house.

The blush on Mianxue's face had not completely faded, and her body seemed a little weak from the intimate act. Her steps were unsteady and her breathing was unsteady.

Qi Zhimu, however, remained calm and showed no sign of anything amiss.

Jingliu adjusted his expression and pretended to have just returned before going forward to greet him.

"...Master, I'm back."

She tried to make her voice sound ordinary.

Qi Zhimu's gaze fell on her.

"Um."

A single, understated word, devoid of any emotion.

Jingliu's heart tightened, and he reported to his master, "Master, I have completed all the training targets, and I've even doubled them!"

Qi Zhimu nodded, then immediately looked away from her.

"understood."

His tone remained indifferent, and he didn't even ask a single question about the process.

"Now that it's finished, you can start practicing with me tomorrow."

After saying that, Qi Zhimu walked straight into his room.

"..." Jingliu's gaze was slightly disordered.

There was no approval, no surprise, not even a compliment like "you did a good job."

She turned her head and looked at Mianxue who was following behind her.

Mianxue turned her face away somewhat awkwardly: "I'll prepare dinner tonight."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the kitchen, leaving Jingliu standing there in a daze.

She worked so hard and did even better... so why did her master's attitude towards her remain unchanged?

But for Mianxue Qinghan...

Jingliu looked down at his own shadow, his eyes slightly stinging.

But soon, she let out a sigh of relief and forcefully suppressed the grievance in her heart.

It's okay.

As long as she remains by her master's side and continues to grow stronger, one day she will be able to obtain what she desires.

Although my master is strict, he is by no means a heartless person.

She just hasn't gained her master's approval yet... that must be it.

It makes sense when you think about it. After all, she is her master's only disciple, so her master naturally has higher expectations for her than for others.