Wuxia Across the Heavens: I Collect Side Effects

Su Xin sped along, heading towards the snow-capped mountains of the Western Regions.

As he passed through a town that day, it grew dark and a cold wind began to blow. He found the largest inn in town and planned to rest for the night before continuing his journey the next day.

As soon as Su Xin stepped into the inn's lobby, he paused, a look of surprise flashing across his face. He wondered to himself, "Why is she here?"

By the window in the lobby sat a young girl dressed in Emei Sect attire. She possessed a gentle yet resolute demeanor, with delicate features. She was none other than Ji Xiaofu, whom he had previously encountered and with whom he had agreed to borrow the Heaven Sword for a closer look.

At this moment, Ji Xiaofu was sitting alone, with an untouched cup of tea in front of her, looking somewhat dazed.

Ji Xiaofu also happened to look up and meet Su Xin's gaze. Her eyes flickered for a moment, and she quickly lowered her head to avoid his gaze, a hint of unease flashing across her face.

Looking at her like this, Su Xin pondered for a moment and then had his answer.

Something must have gone wrong regarding the Heaven Sword.

Presumably, he had previously agreed with Ji Xiaofu to borrow the Heaven Sword for a look, but Ji Xiaofu asked Abbess Miejue for permission after returning home, only to be refused by her.

He knew in his heart that Abbess Miejue was always protective of her own and had a meticulous mind. She must know that there was a secret hidden in the Heaven Sword. Let alone just borrowing it to look at, she probably wouldn't even let outsiders touch it.

Ji Xiaofu must feel guilty for failing to keep her promise, which is why she is avoiding him and is too ashamed to see him.

Su Xin understood immediately. He stepped forward, a faint smile playing on his lips, and deliberately provoked her, saying, "Isn't this the chivalrous Lady Ji? Why are you being so dishonest? Why are your eyes darting around when you see me? Could it be that you have some unspeakable secret?"

When Su Xin pointed it out, Ji Xiaofu felt a wave of shame wash over her. She gripped the hem of her dress tightly with both hands, her fingertips turning slightly white.

She raised her head, her eyes full of apology, and said softly, "Young Master Su, I'm sorry, I... I couldn't help you borrow the Heaven-Slaying Sword."

After all, she had personally agreed to Su Xin's conditions. She thought it would be easy to just borrow it for a quick look, but to her surprise, even though she begged repeatedly, her master, Abbess Miejue, refused to budge and even gave her a stern scolding.

Ji Xiaofu bit her lip, the guilt in her eyes gradually replaced by determination. She looked up at Su Xin, her tone firm and resolute: "I know I can't repay this favor right now. Although I am currently weak and cannot compare to Young Master Su, I, Ji Xiaofu, hereby swear that you can make any reasonable request of me, and I will do my utmost to improve my strength. No matter when in the future, as long as you ask, I will grant you three conditions, and I will never go back on my word!"

She already had a plan in mind. Since she couldn't keep her promise, she would gamble her future to repay Su Xin's favor and uphold her bottom line and dignity.

Just then, a series of orderly footsteps came from the entrance of the inn. A middle-aged nun dressed in a gray cloth robe, with a solemn face and dignified demeanor, slowly walked in. Behind her followed a group of Emei disciples, each with upright posture, respectful expressions, and an aura of righteous indignation.

This middle-aged nun was none other than Abbess Miejue, the head of the Emei Sect.

Her gaze swept across the hall, finally settling on Ji Xiaofu. Seeing the determination and resolve in Ji Xiaofu's eyes, a rare look of appreciation appeared on her face. She said, "This is a true disciple of the Emei Sect. She has backbone and a sense of responsibility. Emei has a worthy successor."

Her visit was not for Ji Xiaofu, but for another purpose. She had recently received news that Yang Xiao had appeared near this town.

It turns out that Yang Xiao had been secretly investigating the whereabouts of the Dragon-Slaying Saber and had been observing the Eagle Cult for a long time. He eventually discovered that the Eagle Cult did not have the Dragon-Slaying Saber, so he gave up the investigation and prepared to return to the Western Regions. However, he did not expect that his whereabouts would be exposed and that Abbess Miejue would find out.

Abbess Miejue and Yang Xiao have an irreconcilable feud. Her senior brother, Gu Hongzi, was angered to death by Yang Xiao. She has held this grudge for many years. Now that she has finally found Yang Xiao's whereabouts, she will naturally not let it go. As soon as she received the news, she immediately led her disciples to come here, determined to avenge Gu Hongzi.

After settling her disciples, Abbess Miejue slowly turned her gaze to Su Xin, looking him up and down with a mixture of scrutiny and doubt in her eyes.

She had previously heard that there was a young man named Su Xin who was highly skilled in martial arts and had even crossed paths with Ji Xiaofu, to the point that Ji Xiaofu was willing to make a promise of favor.

She still couldn't quite believe it; was this young man really as powerful as the rumors suggested?

Could it be that Ji Xiaofu was deceived?

However, Abbess Miejue was always proud and had her own considerations. She took a step forward and said to Su Xin in a cold and authoritative tone, "This old nun is from Emei."

Su Xin nodded slightly, his expression calm, and his tone concise: "Su Xin."

"I've heard that you are exceptionally skilled, possessing remarkable martial arts abilities at such a young age," Abbess Miejue said, her eyes narrowing and her tone laced with provocation.

"Since we are here today, let this old nun take a good look at the strength of you young people, and let me know whether the rumors are true."

Upon hearing this, Su Xin shook his head slightly, inwardly grumbling to himself:

As expected of Abbess Miejue, her personality remains as domineering as ever. Without distinguishing right from wrong, she immediately tries to test the waters.

Seeing this, Ji Xiaofu felt a sudden urgency and quickly got up to try and stop her.

She knew that her master was highly skilled in martial arts and had an extremely fierce temperament. Although Su Xin was capable, if he really fought her master, he might not be able to stop himself.

She quickly spoke up, "Master, Young Master Su, he..."

But before he could finish speaking, Su Xin raised his hand to stop him.

Su Xin turned to look at her, gently shook his head, indicating that she didn't need to say anything more. Then he turned around, looked at Abbess Miejue, his calm expression fading, replaced by a more serious look, and said loudly, "Since Abbess has such an interest, I also wish to learn a thing or two from you."

He had his own plans in mind:

He practiced for many days, combining the Vajra Force and the Mighty Vajra Palm.

This is a perfect opportunity to fight against Abbess Miejue.

Without using poison techniques, test your own strength and see how far you are from becoming a top-tier master.

Su Xin knew in his heart that Abbess Miejue's strength was not to be underestimated. She could be considered one of the best among the first-class masters. In terms of martial arts skills, she was second only to top masters such as Zhang Sanfeng, Kong Wen, the Xuanming Elders, Cheng Kun, and the three Persian envoys. Fighting her would be a good opportunity to test his true strength.

Upon hearing this, Abbess Miejue's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her haughty demeanor and nodded slightly: "Very well, since you have the guts, this old nun will grant your wish."

After the two made their agreement, Su Xin told the Emei disciples to have a meal and rest at the inn, while he and Abbess Miejue left the inn together and soon arrived at an open space outside the city.

This place is open and unobstructed, making it an ideal location for a duel.

Su Xin turned around, looked directly at Abbess Miejue, his expression solemn, and cupped his hands, saying, "Then, Abbess, I will make the first move."

Abbess Miejue nodded slightly, her posture as upright as a pine tree, standing arrogantly in place, her body already radiating a faint protective aura.

In her view, as the leader of a sect and a senior, she could not possibly take the initiative to attack a junior; that would be too beneath her dignity and she could not bear the loss of face.

Now you can see the gap between yourself and top-tier experts.