Chapter Forty: Xiao Leng's Decision

Just as the figures of the disciples of the Hua Ying Sect disappeared from view, Chang Yi suddenly coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. His body swayed, on the verge of collapse, as if he might fall at any moment.

Chen Long’s expression changed drastically; he rushed forward in a flash and caught Chang Yi, pouring a steady stream of profound energy into his body.

Sensing the extent of Chang Yi’s injuries, Chen Long’s face darkened further. In a low voice, he asked, “Senior Brother, is he truly that formidable?”

With Chen Long’s support, some color returned to Chang Yi’s face. He nodded slowly and replied, “Indeed. His cultivation is not equal to mine, but when our ultimate techniques clashed, he could match me blow for blow. This Chu Huafei is remarkable. He fused the power of formation arts into his strike; in terms of raw might, I cannot compare.”

Hearing this, Chen Long let out a heavy sigh. “In that case, at the next Hunting Tournament in half a year, I fear our Jade Sword Sect will have no one able to withstand him.”

Chang Yi shook his head, sighing as well. “Yes, right now his cultivation lags behind mine, which is why he was forced to retreat. But in half a year, when he consolidates his strength and reaches my level, I will surely be no match for him—unless I can break through to the Return to Origin Realm in that time. But… alas…”

Chen Long was well aware that Chang Yi had been stuck at this Transcendence stage for two years already. If he could have broken through, he would have done so long ago—he had no confidence of making progress within half a year.

“Enough, Senior Brother. Go back and tend your wounds at once. Don’t let your injuries worsen and delay your cultivation.” Seeing that Chang Yi had stabilized, Chen Long advised him earnestly.

Chang Yi nodded. Instead of leaving, he walked over to Xiao Leng and Long Yun, addressing them quietly, “Xiao Leng, your cultivation has improved well. Keep up the good work.”

His gaze then fell upon Long Yun. “If I’m not mistaken, you must be the newly famed disciple of the Heart Sword School, Long Yun?”

Long Yun nodded. Because of his relationship with Elder Qiu Di, he had little good feeling toward Chang Yi. Yet, since the other was speaking so courteously, he could hardly slight him.

He bowed slightly. “Long Yun pays his respects to Senior Brother.”

Chang Yi laughed heartily. “Junior Brother Long Yun, I’ve heard you rose from nothing and reached the Gathering Essence Realm in just over a year. Now, you’ve stepped into the Spirit Concealment Realm as well. Such speed is truly rare. The Heart Sword School may yet reclaim its former glory.”

Long Yun was taken aback by the sincerity in Chang Yi’s eyes, which held no trace of deceit. It intrigued him—perhaps not everyone in the Heavenly Sword School supported the elder’s rebellion.

With this thought, he smiled. “The path of cultivation is full of mysteries. Perhaps I’ve simply pushed all my potential to its limits. I don’t know how long I can keep advancing so quickly.”

Chang Yi nodded. “With such a mindset, my advice is hardly necessary. Junior Brother Long Yun, with your Seven Apertures of Qi talent, if you cultivate diligently, the Jade Sword Sect may one day be proud to call you its own.”

Long Yun bowed low, about to make a modest remark, when suddenly a figure shot toward him like lightning. Before the person was even visible, a scolding voice rang out, “You little rascal! You finally remembered to come back? Where have you been all these days?”

“Master!” Long Yun nearly knelt on the spot, but was immediately pulled to his feet by Xue Renqi.

Xue Renqi’s eyes sparkled with excitement; his feelings were overwhelming. He had just been conferring with the elders about Long Yun when a disciple reported that the Hua Ying Sect had come to challenge them. The Human Sword School’s Xiao Leng and Heart Sword School’s Long Yun had both won their matches!

Hearing Long Yun’s name, Xue Renqi instantly rushed over, and to his delight, actually found him here. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, his arms trembling with emotion.

“Master, your disciple admits his mistake for making you and the others worry.” Seeing Xue Renqi’s reaction, Long Yun felt a warmth in his heart.

He had never known such concern since childhood. Now, experiencing Xue Renqi’s genuine worry, a gentle feeling bloomed inside him—a sensation entirely new.

“Greetings, Uncle Xue!” Chang Yi and Chen Long both bowed deeply to Xue Renqi.

Though Xue Renqi’s cultivation was not as high as theirs, his seniority demanded respect. The two did not dare be negligent.

Xue Renqi waved a hand. “Chang Yi, you’re seriously hurt. Enough talk—go and recover. Our Jade Sword Sect can’t afford to lose its treasures.”

Chang Yi smiled. “Uncle Xue exaggerates. Junior Brother Long Yun is the true treasure. Allow me to congratulate you on accepting such a fine disciple!”

Xue Renqi waved his hand, saying nothing, but the pride on his face was apparent.

As he spoke, Qiu Di and the other elders from the three branches hurried over. Qiu Di, in particular, let his gaze linger on Long Yun for a moment, a flash of malice flickering in his eyes before it vanished.

“Long Yun, you’ve finally returned. We had no news of you for days—do you know how worried everyone was?” Qiu Di said, watching Long Yun.

Long Yun answered with a faint smile, choosing not to expose his duplicity. “Thank you for your concern, Grand Elder. For your kindness, I shall do my utmost to repay you in the future.”

At this, Qiu Di’s heart skipped a beat. He had still been hoping his disciples might have found Long Yun.

But Long Yun’s meaning was clear—he must have already encountered Cong Gui and his group. Now that Long Yun was back and they were missing, the outcome was obvious: they had perished by Long Yun’s hand.

This realization pained Qiu Di deeply. Cong Gui and his fellows were the elite of his faction, and their loss was a heavy blow.

“Well, let’s all return to rest. It’s getting late, and Long Yun needs his rest after returning. Elders, thank you for all your help these past days!” Xue Renqi, the happiest of them all, laughed heartily, easing the tense atmosphere.

Qiu Di said nothing and was about to leave when suddenly Xiao Leng stepped forward. He walked up to Duan Tianyi, knelt, and kowtowed three times.

“Master, your disciple is unworthy. The Human Sword School’s techniques do not suit me. I wish to join the Heart Sword School for further cultivation—please grant me this request!” Xiao Leng said quietly.

Duan Tianyi’s face turned ashen. For a disciple to transfer to another branch was already shameful, but for his best disciple to do so was an utter humiliation.

Years ago, many disciples left the Heart Sword School for other branches as it declined. Now, for Xiao Leng to transfer from the Human Sword School to the Heart Sword School made Duan Tianyi seethe with rage.

“You insolent boy, what did you just say?” Duan Tianyi’s chest heaved with anger.

Yet Xiao Leng’s face remained calm. He continued, “According to Article 86 of the Jade Sword Sect’s rules, disciples may transfer between branches to better suit their own attributes. My request to join the Heart Sword School is within the rules.”

“The rules?” Duan Tianyi bellowed. “You dare throw the rules at me? So your wings have hardened, eh? Fine! If you transfer to the Heart Sword School, I’ll cripple your cultivation first!”

“Tianyi, you mustn’t!” As Duan Tianyi raised a hand to strike Xiao Leng’s crown, Qiu Di grabbed him, saying, “The rules are clear enough, Tianyi. Nothing can be forced. Since Xiao Leng wishes it, let him be.”

With the Grand Elder’s intervention, the fire in Duan Tianyi’s eyes subsided. He glared at Xiao Leng and said coldly, “Very well, Xiao Leng. You dare play this game with me. But remember, since you’ve chosen the Heart Sword School, don’t regret it. Don’t think that just because the Heart Sword stele is restored, you’ll gain anything. Rotten wood can never become a pillar.”

At this, Xue Renqi was instantly enraged. He snapped, “Duan Tianyi, watch your tongue! Since Xiao Leng is under my tutelage now, I won’t treat him poorly. In fact, I promise his cultivation will surpass what it ever was in the Human Sword School!”

After speaking, Xue Renqi glanced at Long Yun. For just as Xiao Leng declared his wish to transfer, Long Yun had secretly signaled Xue Renqi, who, though not understanding his intent, had agreed immediately.