Dual cultivation makes you stronger, everyone else is a prodigy, and I'm the only one slacking

"If you two become Daoist partners, you can reside at Sword Peak as a relative. Daoist partners can also cultivate the sword techniques and cultivation methods of Sword Peak disciples together."

Upon hearing this, Yu Luoning's heart stirred.

The phrase "cultivating the Sword Peak Heart Method together as a Daoist couple" means that she could directly audit the classes.

Sword Peak is one of the most profound inner sects of the Eastern Treasure Sect, and its collection of sword techniques and mental cultivation methods is top-notch in the entire sect.

If she could enter Sword Peak to cultivate, it would save her the hardship of needing 100,000 contribution points to enter the inner sect.

I've been in the sect for almost a month, and I only have 868 contribution points.

Of these, the Shishangxu (时商序) contributed 800 points.

It's easy to imagine how tempting this is.

If she could save those contribution points, she could exchange them for rarer spiritual medicines and magical treasures.

Yu Luoning took a deep breath, wishing she could agree immediately, but she suppressed the impulse.

Back when Shi Shangxu proposed forming a Daoist partnership that day, she had already researched the Daoist partnership contracts in this cultivation world.

You won't believe it until you check, and what you find out is quite shocking.

I thought that becoming a Daoist couple would just involve signing a contract, putting your name on a fingerprint, and getting a marriage certificate.

Who knew that once this Daoist couple contract was established, heaven and earth would bear witness, their spiritual energies would be connected, and their cause and effect would be intertwined and inseparable.

Forget about all that, the most important thing is that you can't betray them.

Betrayal can result in anything from a damaged Dao heart to being struck by lightning.

Yu Luoning wasn't afraid of Shi Shangxu betraying her; she was afraid she wouldn't be able to withstand it.

With so many high-quality copy libraries available in the future, who can guarantee they won't be tempted?

I really can't do it.

Yu Luoning slowly raised her eyes, her clear, watery gaze meeting Elder Lei's eyes.

Her upgraded Mingxin Jue mental cultivation method has long since evolved from distinguishing between truth and falsehood into a completely new internal energy cultivation method.

Every morning, the first thing she does upon waking is to silently recite it once.

After the recitation, her words, her aura, and the spiritual charm surrounding her will all be imbued with an aura that inspires natural trust.

This kind of temperament doesn't forcefully interfere with other people's judgment, but it creates a sincere atmosphere that makes people of similar or lower cultivation level feel that she is speaking from the heart.

Elder Lei, whose cultivation level was far superior to hers, might not be able to completely convince him with his aura, but it was enough to prevent him from having any doubts.

Please enjoy Yu Luoning's self-justification—pfft! It's the truth.

Her voice was very soft, and her tone was very sincere:

"Elder, you flatter me. However, the matter of the Daoist partner contract concerns the cause and effect of heaven and earth, and is no ordinary matter."

I am aware of my cousin's feelings for me, and our relationship can definitely withstand the test of time.

But if it's for the sake of becoming Daoist partners, and to hastily enter into a contract to obtain the Sword Peak's cultivation techniques? This junior feels I would be betraying my cousin's sincere feelings.

Shi Shangxu opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

Yu Luoning continued, "My cousin is the hope of the family, a genius whose talent is rare even among swordsmen. His Dao should be the ruthless sword energy from the heavens above."

I was just a lowly repairman who barely managed to gain a foothold thanks to his protection.

I love him, so how could I bear to watch him sign a life-long shackle for me?

"As the saying goes, true friendship is more precious than money. What does a Daoist contract matter if my cousin has me in his heart?"

The contract is merely for show. While it may be highly beneficial to me, I believe I can earn enough contribution points through my own abilities to pass the inner sect assessment.

"I hope you will take good care of me then. I will definitely become your disciple, not as a relative, but as myself, a female cultivator named Luo Ning, and become your worthy disciple."

The air was quiet for a moment, and Elder Lei stared at her for a long time.

Shi Shangxu stood beside him, his back stiff with tension.

Although Luo Ning refused to become his Daoist partner.

But after hearing this heartfelt confession, his heart melted.

Previously, he wasn't confident about Luo Ning's feelings for him.

But today, Shi Shangxu felt as if he had taken a super-sized reassurance pill.

Luo Ning truly loves him.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Shi Shangxu's eyes welled up with tears and his nose tingled, a mixture of joy and heartache mingling together.

If his master hadn't been there, he would have loved to hold the person tightly in his arms.

After a long while, Elder Lei suddenly smiled.

"Girl, you sure know how to talk."

Yu Luoning lowered her eyes and smiled, "These are just my honest thoughts. You are my cousin's elder, and I don't want to hide anything from you."

"I had heard from my cousin how good the elder was to him and how carefully he taught him. I have long admired the elder."

"I have been alone since I was young, and I have no elders in my family. I am very touched that the elder has met me in person and that he understands my and my cousin's feelings. I will remember the elder's kindness. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay the elder's understanding."

Elder Lei raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly, but he did not answer immediately.

The little girl has quite the ambition; she wants to earn contribution points on her own and become his disciple.

To be honest, every word the little girl said struck a chord with him.

Who doesn't like an ambitious and well-behaved junior?

Elder Lei stroked his beard, looking at Yu Luoning with great satisfaction. "I find your words today quite pleasing to the ear, unlike my worthless disciples, who only know how to annoy me."

Yu Luoning felt a surge of excitement and joy.

+1 to gain a good impression of Elder Lei.

She didn't expect that her words would persuade Elder Lei to make an exception and allow her to participate in the inner disciple assessment.

Well, it's good to leave a good impression.

When participating in future assessments, the inner elders will naturally give priority to disciples who catch their eye.

This can be considered a pre-interview for me.

Lei Changchun added, "Since you want your relationship to stand the test of time, then let it go on for a while longer. I won't rush you."

Yu Luoning nodded obediently, finally managing to get away with it.

Unexpectedly, Elder Lei's thunderous remarks the next moment almost made Yu Luoning burst out laughing.

"Whether they are relatives or direct disciples, I have always only looked at their character, not their innate talent."

Yu Luoning blinked.

She felt that she wasn't good enough at lying through her teeth.

Look! How beautifully said!

Not considering physical attributes?

It should be known that every disciple who can participate in the sect's assessment is one in ten thousand, possessing exceptional talent and innate ability.

When choosing from this group of geniuses, you certainly don't need to consider their physical attributes.

I'd be blind to believe you.

Yu Luoning looked sincere and respectful and said, "Thank you for your reminder, senior. I understand now. Cultivation is about cultivating one's inner self, not external talent. I will work hard to cultivate my character."

Elder Lei nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "From now on, the door of Sword Peak will always be open to you. As long as you meet the requirements, I will definitely accept you."

"Thank you, Elder. I will remember this in my heart."

After leaving the cave, only Shi Shangxu and Yu Luoning remained.

Yu Luoning was in a good mood.

Having made a name for myself in front of Elder Lei, and knowing that the gates of Sword Peak are always open, is far more valuable than a Daoist partner contract.

This means that in the future, it will be perfectly natural for her to want to become Elder Lei's disciple and seek the protection of Sword Peak.