Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

Actions speak louder than words. Chu Mingkong took out a blunt, heavy training sword, walked to the martial arts arena in the mansion, activated the martial arts illusion in the magic array, and began a pure swordsmanship competition.

There are few tricks to greatsword duels. It is a weapon that focuses on strength and does not pay as much attention to details as the rapier. However, if a person wielding a greatsword has no attention to detail or any understanding of swordsmanship, he will almost always be in a defensive position, using the greatsword as a tortoise shell to block the opponent's attacks.

Zuo Qiuchi changed into a suitable dress and then came to the training ground. After watching him make a few sword moves, her previous frivolous attitude became serious.

"Why does this look a bit like a 'Sword Saint'? No, to reach the level of a 'Saint' in pure swordsmanship, one must first comprehend one's own sword intent. How come this kid hasn't expressed any 'intent' yet every swing has the oppressive feeling of a 'Sword Saint'?"

That's not the key point. When Chu Mingkong returned to the capital after recovering from his injuries, there were many traitors in his entourage. It was Zuo Qiuchi who led him all the way to the capital. After that, he really didn't touch any weapons while living in the capital.

Does this require some kind of understanding?!

"How was it?" Chu Mingkong asked proudly, seeking credit.

"You continue, I'll take another look." Zuo Qiuchi remained expressionless, but inwardly he wondered, "Wasn't I just teaching him for fun? Did I really teach him that well? Did he suddenly become a 'Sword Saint' on the greatsword just by recalling it?"

Cultivation realm is one thing, and the experience of using weapons is another. In terms of weapon achievements alone, they are divided into "minor achievement, grandmaster, saint, and immortal".

For most people, becoming a Grandmaster is the ultimate goal in life. Even if they go to some sects, they can still receive special treatment. Becoming a Saint is a sign of extraordinary talent. As for the "Immortal" realm among soldiers, it is not possible to gather a list of ten people every sixty years.

She was shocked, but her face remained calm: "How did you comprehend it?"

Chu Mingkong finished his martial arts demonstration, tossed the heavy sword aside, and shrugged: "As I said, I just reminisced and suddenly had some insights. I understood many things I couldn't grasp back then. I originally thought you were just joking with me. I was still young back then!"

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 60 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

Zuo Qiuchi's face remained largely expressionless, as if it were a trivial matter. Suppressing her secret delight, she nodded in agreement.

"Hmm~ Not bad, it's not bad that you figured it out. You thought I was a liar back then, sigh!"

Master, what are you pretending to be so calm about? My filial piety points have already exposed your secret joy... Chu Mingkong beat his chest in frustration:

"I was ignorant back then, but Master, you didn't hold a grudge and accompanied me everywhere. I feel guilty and ashamed when I think about it now! Even if I massaged your feet for a lifetime, I could never repay this kindness of teaching me!"

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 100 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

"You know that's good. You're always so disrespectful and disrespectful to your elders. Alright, no need to show off your achievements anymore. This little accomplishment is nothing to brag about. Keep working hard, don't be arrogant. There's still so much for you to learn!" She turned around and prepared to go back to her room to lie down again.

Chu Mingkong glanced at the system shop and suddenly saw that the [Heavy Sword Comprehension - High-level] item had been refreshed, which cost exactly 200 filial piety points.

He figured that since these 200 acts of filial piety were taken from his master anyway, it wouldn't be a loss to use them.

Her evaluation of my intermediate comprehension was clearly quite good, so what level can I reach at the advanced level?

Without saying a word, he bought the cultivation technique.

"Wait, stop!" Chu Mingkong said, extending his hand in a gesture resembling Er Kang's meme-like expression.

Zuo Qiuchi turned around in confusion and said, "You know how powerful your master is, yet you still speak to me so disrespectfully?"

"Ahem, beautiful Master, please wait a moment. I have just gained some new insights. Would you like to take a look?"

Chapter Seven: A New Sword Immortal Emerges?!

Zuo Qiuchi didn't want to discourage him. Mastering each weapon requires a long period of training and contemplation; it's not something you can just come up with by slapping your head and having some insights.

"Be more humble. A sudden realization can indeed come suddenly, but it is the result of accumulated knowledge and experience. Every harvest comes from long-term sowing and cultivation, not from a lucky break in a casino."

Chu Mingkong couldn't explain the system either, but he just wanted to show it to her and see what level it was at.

"To be honest, I was actually hiding something just now. I've been meditating all these years, and I don't even know how many times I've had sudden enlightenments. I was just showing a part of it." He picked up the greatsword again.

This time, as soon as he picked up the sword, he could feel that his understanding of heavy swordsmanship had changed. It was a mysterious feeling. Before, he was the one carrying the sword, but now the sword was coming to him on its own.

He doesn't even need to lift a finger; as long as the sword is within his field of vision, he can simply think of something, and the sword will move on its own.

To verify his inner thoughts, he threw the sword aside and stood still, just staring at it. The heavy sword, devoid of any spirit, trembled as if it had received a call from some kind of will and flew into his hand on its own.

Zuo Qiuchi was still trying to think of the words to comfort him, that slow progress was okay, and that nothing could be accomplished overnight. But when she saw Chu Mingkong take the sword, she was stunned.

"Um????"

Retrieving objects from a distance is not difficult; as long as one has a basic grasp of the use of the five elements of spiritual energy and can release that energy, that's enough. But this kid just now didn't circulate any spiritual energy; he simply relied on a sword immortal-level "intention" to attract weapons to his side.

The Sword Saint represents the pinnacle of wielding swords, but ultimately it still falls under the category of using tools. Humans need external weapons, and only by reaching the realm of "Immortal among Soldiers" can the sword be desired by people.

She stopped thinking about it and observed Chu Mingkong with a serious look in her eyes. Chu Mingkong had his weapon in hand and was about to swing his sword at the open space, but subconsciously felt that the house in front of him would be affected, so he changed direction.

With the heavy sword in his hand, he understood why Zuo Qiuchi could wield the heavy sword so lightly. Even with his own brute strength, he couldn't achieve that level. It turned out that the difference lay in their level of skill, not their brute strength.

Chu Mingkong had seen and studied her [Giant Immortal Fall] technique, but he hadn't mastered it. He only knew one common military heavy sword technique, [Breaking Army].

The heavy sword in his hand condensed fire-attribute spiritual energy, which was imbued with the dark purple aura of the Abyss. With just this one move, Zuo Qiuchi was certain that he had truly touched the threshold of the Sword Immortal realm!

This realm is strange, it's somewhat similar to her original realm, but it's lacking something. I've never heard of any sword immortal being like this, but what I can say for sure is that Chu Mingkong can now easily defeat any sword saint.

"We need to take a closer look at his sword strike. It seems like he's forcibly trying to reach the level of a sword immortal. His foundation is a bit weak..." Zuo Qiuchi muttered, withdrawing his earlier contempt.

Just as Chu Mingkong raised his hand to swing his sword, his breath hitched, the power accumulated by the sword suddenly dropped, the sword stuck in the ground, supporting his body, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood that was reddish-purple.

The woman quickly channeled her inner energy, supporting his body from a distance and suppressing his disordered breathing.

"Is it a problem with the Abyss Wound?"

Chu Mingkong nodded, wiped the stains from his mouth, his face pale, and slowly sat down to circulate his internal energy to calm the intense pain in his body. After a long while, he finally shook off his dejection.

"I still can't circulate my spiritual energy too vigorously; I can only use it sparingly, which is very frustrating."

Seeing that he had recovered, Zuo Qiuchi breathed a sigh of relief: "Fortunately, you have a natural affinity for fire, which can slightly suppress the frost caused by the Abyss Injury, otherwise I would have had to move you to the grill to warm you up."

"When that time really comes, please don't use honey, Master. Add more chili powder. You know I have a strong palate," Chu Mingkong joked, standing up and stretching.

"What's going on with your level of skill? You've been practicing with spears a lot, and after entering the capital, you haven't even touched a weapon much to avoid being noticed. Where did you get the insights and understanding to reach this level? Do you know that you were just barely considered a sword immortal?" She looked at Chu Mingkong very seriously.

Under his master's beautiful gaze, Chu Mingkong felt ashamed and didn't know how to explain the system.

He had no choice but to feign a relapse of his Abyss Injury, clutching his heart and coughing dryly, his voice trembling and weak as he said:

"Perhaps it's a final burst of energy before death. I, Chu, am no less talented than anyone else. Every night when I lie down, I dream of you, Master, leading me out of the encirclement of those traitors. Every sword strike you wielded has flashed through my mind countless times. This is the first time in my life I've been so utterly destitute, like a stray dog. I can't swallow this insult!"

Zuo Qiuchi, usually oblivious to everything, felt a pang of sadness for him. Having spent so long with him in the capital, she had almost forgotten his extraordinary talent. Even while still cultivating mortal martial arts, he was already able to defeat the disciples of immortal sects.

With this talent, coupled with her indomitable spirit, and the fact that she practices every sword strike in her dreams every night, it's quite possible that he could figure something out about her.

No wonder his sword immortal realm is somewhat similar to hers.

"Don't think about those things anymore. The emperor is seriously ill now, and the surveillance on you will soon weaken. This is your chance. Next time, I'll be more serious and capture that female bodhisattva with the collarbone for you. Buddhist monks claim they can redeem themselves from sins and cleanse themselves from karmic obstacles. Maybe they can really redeem the residual power of the Abyss in you."

I'm more afraid that the power of the Abyss will convert me before it can convert me.

Chu Mingkong had a clear plan for his life: he was determined to have a good time before he died, so he couldn't become a monk!

Zuo Qiuchi encouraged him, "The fact that you were able to comprehend the Sword Immortal Realm under such circumstances shows that your future will definitely not stop here. Have more confidence in yourself."

Seeing that Zuo Qiuchi wasn't going to delve into the details of his Sword Immortal realm, Chu Mingkong breathed a sigh of relief and immediately switched to a relaxed tone:

"Of course, the reason I had this sudden enlightenment was mostly due to my filial piety! Although you, Master, have been playing and sleeping since you came to the capital, I can still feel the effort you have put into me. How could I let your name be disgraced? As soon as I was worried, I had this sudden enlightenment!"

[System Treasure has arrived in your account, 100 points of filial piety (undesirable).]

Zuo Qiuchi wasn't used to this guy suddenly speaking so seriously about filial piety. Strange as it was, he was still touched.

"Very good, but you don't need to push yourself so hard. You should just stay calm and take care of yourself!"

"By the way, an elder in the Cui family invited me to dinner. Master, why don't you come with me? There isn't even a servant to cook in the Prince's mansion. Let's go and try the Cui family's food in the capital."

Zuo Qiuchi has long since stopped eating and no longer needs three meals a day to maintain her body's function, but she still has a craving for food, and enjoying delicious food is a great pleasure for her!

But after weighing the options, she shook her head: "That's not a good idea. If I go there openly, people will inevitably think that I'm using my Sword Immortal Master to put pressure on the outside world and cause trouble."

With Zuo Qiuchi around, Chu Mingkong isn't afraid of trouble, but the ensuing troubles will inevitably annoy him. The capital is a place where hidden talents abound, so it's best not to go looking for trouble.

"What are you afraid of? Master, you've never been a burden to me. Do you think I'd go to the Cui residence for a nice meal while you go to a restaurant alone? I'd feel uneasy! Come on, come on, we can just say we're friends of the same generation, you just need to hide your identity!"

Seeing that he had made up his mind, Zuo Qiuchi did not refuse again. The Cui family of the capital was one of the major families in the Tianji Empire. They were extremely wealthy and, at their peak, were almost as rich as a country. It would be a good opportunity to taste the delicacies that the Cui family ate.

"Fine, if it's not tasty, I'll punish you!"

----------

The Tomb of Hundred Flames Swords.

The Hundred Flame Sword Tomb is one of the sacred sites of the Heavenly Pole Empire, and even the entire eastern part of the continent. It is a force renowned for its sword forging. Legend has it that the Hundred Flame Sword Tomb has gathered the fire-attribute spiritual energy of several generations of swordsmiths, and the famous swords it has forged are renowned far and wide. The sect itself also produces disciples with extremely high swordsmanship talent.

Many grandmasters and sword saints have been proud to have obtained a sword from the Hundred Flame Sword Tomb, which is why this force has the widest network of connections. To oppose the Hundred Flame Sword Tomb is equivalent to opposing many cultivators who have received a sword from it.

However, besides forging swords, the Hundred Flame Sword Tomb also enshrines an ancestral sword. This sword can communicate with heaven and earth. Whenever a new sword immortal is born, or someone comprehends a new heaven-rank sword technique, the ancestral sword will vibrate and emit a sword sound.

The last time the Ancestral Sword rang was many years ago, when Zuo Qiuchi ascended to the Sword Immortal Realm, and it has been silent for many years since.

On this day, murmurs of surprise and doubt echoed throughout the Sword Tomb.

"It's been so long since we've heard the clang of the Ancestral Sword. Another sword immortal has been born!"

"But in the past ten years, the Tianji Empire and even the surrounding countries have rarely had young people with amazing swordsmanship talent. Although a few juniors have gradually gained fame in the last year or two, they have not reached the level of sudden enlightenment as sword immortals. Where did these reclusive masters in the deep mountains come from?"

"Wait a minute. In another day or two, this sword immortal will come to our Hundred Flames Sword Tomb to find a suitable divine weapon. Then we will know which expert he is."

"Indeed, alas, I have been stuck at the Sword Saint realm for many years. When will I be able to glimpse that realm!"

Chapter Eight: Licking Aunt Gu Fiercely!

The Tianji Empire has many prominent families, among which the five surnames "Cui, Lu, Wang, Xie, and Pei" are the most prestigious. The Cui family, which ranks first, is not to be underestimated even by royalty.

In the previous dynasty, a royal family wanted to marry their princess to the Cui family, but the Cui family disliked that the princess's mother was not particularly outstanding in terms of bloodline, only having good looks but lacking the cultivation talent accumulated by her parents, and thus decisively rejected the princess's marriage proposal.

With such a family background, one can imagine what kind of temperament the Cui family members are.

With only a few steps left to the Cui residence, Chu Mingkong sighed:

"Sigh, I'm suddenly feeling a bit worried."

The woman in the pale white dress standing beside him gave him a disdainful look. Zuo Qiuchi then suppressed her appearance, reverting to that of a young girl, and said:

"You're sighing again. Didn't you say before you left that you weren't afraid of trouble? You said you'd ignore all their probing and just go there to freeload?"

“That makes sense. What I’m worried about is the Cui family’s children causing trouble. If I accidentally hit them, Aunt Gu will be in a very difficult position.”

"Does that mean we won't be able to eat? It seems we'll have to pack up their table and take it with us."

"...You're supposed to be a sword immortal, even if you're hiding your identity now, you don't have to act so despicably, do you?" Chu Mingkong shook his head and rubbed his forehead: "Anyone who didn't know better would think I couldn't even afford to pay for your meals."