Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

Chapter 414 - 420: Encounter

Sword Qi soared to the heavens, its sharp edge fully revealed.

Although Li Zhixuan had not resorted to her killer moves, she had still exerted all her effort, for after all, her true strength was substantially inferior. If she had held back any further, defeat would have been imminent.

”Impressive skills!” A flicker of admiration shone in Zhang Heʼs eyes as he praised her earnestly, and then he adopted an even more solemn attitude.

If Li Zhixuanʼs Sword Qi was sharp beyond compare, like a sword piercing the heavens, then Zhang Heʼs Sword Qi resembled the elusive wind, unpredictable and laden with hidden dangers.

”Over-rigidity leads to breakage! Li has formidable killing power, but it is not conducive to pursuing the Way,” commented an experienced Sword Cultivator.

They were Sword Cultivators, true, but ultimately, they were all seekers of the Great Way, aspiring Cultivators who wished for Ascension. And to some extent, Sword Qi was an expression of oneʼs inner temperament; hence his comment about Li Zhixuan.

Of course, there were differing opinions. Several Sword Cultivators actually admired Li Zhixuan, because at such a ʼyoung ageʼ, she had already found her own Sword Dao.

Even if it was only a direction for now, at least she had a clear path to follow. After all, the vast majority of Golden Core Sword Cultivators were still struggling to find their ʼWayʼ.

Engrossed in fierce combat, Li Zhixuan naturally could not hear the discussions of the other Sword Cultivators. But even if she did, she would not have cared, let alone be affected.

”Acknowledged!” Zhang He kept a strand of Sword Qi suspended three inches behind Li Zhixuan while he sheathed his sword and bowed his hands.

Li Zhixuan was well aware of the prickling sensation from the Sword Qi, a glimpse of deep light flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it because this was merely a sparring match, not a fight to the death. She too retracted her Spirit Sword, bowing her hands, ”I thank you, friend, for showing mercy.”

In the days that followed, Li Zhixuan would duel with a Sword Cultivator, honing her skills while adapting to the strength of the Golden Core Realm, and incidentally learning something from them as well.

Of course, since Li Zhixuan had just solidified her cultivation base, her strength was far inferior to those of the Golden Core Sword Cultivators, so she did not win a single bout in the entire round.

However, Li Zhixuan did not mind. It was just a bout of sparring after all. A loss was a loss; it wasnʼt a matter of life and death, and even the chances of injury were very slim.

”I thank everyone for their guidance. Having been away from home for many years and now having broken through to the Golden Core, it is time for me to return,” Li Zhixuan announced to everyone after challenging all the Sword Cultivators, intending to take her leave to avoid future confusion should anyone seek her out in vain.

”Then I wish my friend a smooth journey. Should you return one day, let us cross swords again merrily!”

The others also spoke up in turn.

The reason for their enthusiasm was mainly that there were too few Sword Cultivators. Whether it was for the purpose of banding together for warmth, or because they recognized Li Zhixuanʼs potential, they naturally did not wish to become her enemy.

”Thank you, friends. I shall take my leave now,” Li Zhixuan bowed to everyone and decisively turned to depart.

What Li Zhixuan did not know was that due to the commotion from sparring with the Sword Cultivators, the news quickly reached the ears of Li Zhiyue, causing her to fall into a dilemma.

Indeed, Li Zhiyue had not left the Immortal City!

It wasnʼt that she had something to seek from Li Zhixuan, but rather Mountain Spirit Immortal City was known for its ʼgood quality and affordableʼ nature, with rich Spiritual Energy yet the cost of renting a cave dwelling was relatively low, something that perfectly suited the budget-conscious Li Zhiyue.

It wasnʼt that she couldnʼt earn Spirit Stones, given that Li Zhiyue was a third-rank Alchemy Master after all, but she was currently focusing on improving her cultivation and had also recently increased the effort in nurturing her two Spirit Beasts, which left her rather strapped for cash elsewhere.

Li Zhiyue wanted to team up with Li Zhixuan to earn more Spirit Stones, because Sword Cultivators were renowned for their formidable combat strength, but she struggled with the idea due to pride.

Although the two came from the same family and were similar in age, their relationship was not close for various reasons.

The most important thing was that Li Zhiyue had always held a higher position and level of cultivation than Li Zhixuan. Now, the idea of actively seeking out Li Zhixuan and asking to work together made her reluctant to swallow her pride.

However, after witnessing Li Zhixuanʼs impressive strength, Li Zhiyue ultimately gave in and approached her on the last day.

”Li Zhiyue?” Li Zhixuan was slightly surprised to see the visitor, but she quickly recovered and invited her into the cave dwelling.

”What do you want with me?” As soon as they had sat down, Li Zhixuan asked directly.

Li Zhiyueʼs eyebrows knitted slightly, as if she had not expected such a direct approach, but since she was asked, she couldnʼt beat around the bush and said, ”I would like to invite you to form a team with me, to train in the Central Region and earn more resources, then advance our cultivations faster.”

Upon hearing this, Li Zhixuan almost laughed out loud. She had just broken through to the Golden Core Realm and had yet to craft her Life-bound Magic Treasure, why would she be in a hurry to enhance her cultivation?

Thus, it was clear who would benefit more from forming this small team.

”Thereʼs no need!” Li Zhixuan rejected the offer without hesitation, stood up, and said, ”I plan to return to the family tomorrow. Is there anything you need me to take back?”

Who could have thought that after hearing this, Li Zhiyue would be stunned? Ever since she left The Secret Realm of Wanxian, she hadnʼt thought of her family.

Seeing her odd reaction, Li Zhixuan was initially puzzled, but after some thought, she understood the situation.

She couldnʼt help but feel a hint of pity and sadness for the family. Look, this is the ʼtalentʼ youʼve nurtured.

Did Li Zhixuan harbor any resentment? Of course, she did! Even though she understood that all powers in the world allocate resources for the next generation based on their aptitudes.

But when it happened to her personally, it was still hard to accept.

In fact, if it werenʼt for the great indebtedness Li Zhirui had towards her, Li Zhixuan may not have left the family, but she probably wouldnʼt have thought about returning to Wanxian Island, as she believed she did not owe the family much!

After all, Li Zhixuan hadnʼt received many resources gratuitously from the family; the resources she needed for cultivation were all earned by her sword, one strike at a time.

”Then please just let the family know that Iʼm safe, and I will be back after a while,” Li Zhiyue said somewhat awkwardly.

”Nothing else?” Li Zhixuan looked at her in surprise.

She knew that Li Zhiyue had entered The Secret Realm of Wanxian and that she must have obtained Spiritual Objects that perhaps Li Zhirui had already taken back for her. But after several years of training in the Central Region, did she really not have any items that could benefit the development of the family?

”Nothing else,” Li Zhiyue said with a forced smile, then hurriedly got up and said, ”You are leaving tomorrow, so I wonʼt keep you any longer. I wish you a smooth journey!”

After saying this, she quickly walked towards the outside, looking as if she was fleeing in panic.