Become a disciple of Zizhu Peak

"I merely want to offer this Junior Sister a better choice."

His tone was gentle and warm, like spring rain nourishing the earth.

But when it fell into the ears of Heavenly Sword Peak Elder Li Qingyun, it was no different from a resounding slap in the face.

"What a 'better choice'!"

Li Qingyun laughed in extreme anger, his entire body bursting with Sword Qi. The longsword on his back, though not unsheathed, hummed and vibrated, as if ready to cleave the sky at any moment.

An extremely sharp Sword Pressure pressed directly toward Su Ye.

"Su Ye, you are far too ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!"

"If your Revered Master Yun Yuzhen were here personally, this Elder might retreat three steps.

"But you?"

Li Qingyun scornfully swept his gaze over Su Ye, his eyes full of disdain: "A mere yellow-mouthed brat, with only Golden Core Stage cultivation, dares to speak wildly about instructing a Saint Grade Ice Spirit Root?"

"Aren't you afraid the wind will tear your tongue out!"

Following Li Qingyun's angry roar, the terrifying Pressure belonging to the Soul Transformation Stage surged toward Su Ye like a tide.

However.

Su Ye's figure didn't move an inch.

He still stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering, and a smile on his handsome, peerless face that made people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

It was as if what blew toward him was not the Soul Transformation Stage Pressure, but a refreshing mountain breeze.

"Junior Martial Uncle Li, you exaggerate."

Su Ye said softly, but a hint of imperceptible mockery flashed deep within his eyes.

Comparing Pressure with me?

I have the Supreme Bone protecting my body, and the Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art to devour all things. Although I haven't reached Major Achievement, it is a pipe dream for this Soul Transformation Stage Pressure to crush me.

"It is not that this Disciple is arrogant."

Su Ye ignored Li Qingyun's murderous gaze, turned around, faced the other Peak Masters and Elders on the high platform, and said clearly:

"As all Senior Martial Uncles and Junior Martial Uncles know, the Supreme Grade Ice Spirit Root, or even Saint Grade, is a Physique of extreme cold and ultimate Yin between heaven and earth."

"Although the Dao of the Sword is powerful, it focuses on slaughter, following a path that is fierce, rigid, and overbearing."

"Excessive rigidity is easily broken."

"This Junior Sister has excessive Cold Qi within her body. If she forcefully Cultivates the fierce, rigid Dao of the Sword, her progress might be rapid in the early stage, but in the Late Stage, the Yin and Yang will become unbalanced, and the Cold Poison will backfire. At best, she will suffer Qi Deviation; at worst..."

Su Ye paused, his gaze sweeping over the audience, finally resting on Lin Qianxue's expressionless face:

"She will perish like a fading flower."

As soon as those four words were spoken, the entire audience erupted in an uproar.

The Disciples who had originally been intimidated by Li Qingyun's Aura were now whispering among themselves.

"Senior Brother Su makes so much sense."

"That's right, an Ice Spirit Root should indeed practice Cultivation Techniques with Yin/soft attributes."

"Although Heavenly Sword Peak has the strongest attack power, wouldn't it be a waste of a precious resource if they ruined a person?"

Hearing the surrounding discussions, Li Qingyun's face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

"Nonsense!"

Just as he was about to refute, he saw another figure gracefully float over.

"What Nephew Su said is not without reason."

The speaker was a middle-aged beautiful woman wearing a cyan Daoist robe, holding a Jade Ruyi, with the fragrance of medicine lingering around her.

The Peak Master of Hundred Herbs Peak, Liu Qingluo.

The number one Alchemist of Taichu Holy Land, Soul Transformation Realm Sixth Heaven.

Liu Qingluo looked at Lin Qianxue, smiling sweetly, her eyes full of affection:

"Little girl, being a Sword Cultivator is too arduous. Fighting and killing all day isn't suitable for girls."

"Why not come to my Hundred Herbs Peak?"

"This Elder is a Grade Six Alchemist, and there are countless Spirit Medicines on the Peak."

"I have the 'Nine Revolutions Snow Lotus Pill,' which can not only suppress the Cold Qi in your body but also help you cleanse your marrow and keep your face eternally youthful."

"Moreover, Hundred Herbs Peak is entirely female Disciples, and the environment is tranquil and secluded. Isn't that better than mixing with those smelly Sword Cultivators?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Qingyun was so angry he almost spat out a mouthful of old blood.

"Old Woman Liu, what mischief are you stirring up!"

"She has an Innate Sword Heart! Do you understand Sword Heart? She was born for the Dao of the Sword!"

Before Li Qingyun could finish cursing, another rough voice rang out.

"In my opinion, coming to my Divine Weapon Peak is the most suitable!"

A muscular, bare-chested giant landed thunderously on the high platform, shaking the ground.

The Elder of Divine Weapon Peak, Tieshan.

"Little girl, don't listen to their nonsense."

"So what if your Physique is cold? Come to my Divine Weapon Peak, and I'll forge you a set of Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron Armor, and pair it with an Ice Soul Divine Sword. Forget about Yin and Yang imbalance—force conquers all!"

"As long as your Physical Body is strong enough, we can smash even the Heavenly Tribulation!"

Seeing these troublemakers jumping out one after another, Li Qingyun's face turned green.

Good heavens.

They weren't saying anything just now, but now that they see this girl has a Saint Grade Spiritual Root, they are all pouncing like cats that smelled fish?

"All of you, shut up!"

With an angry roar from Li Qingyun, the longsword on his back clanged as it was unsheathed, transforming into a streak of light suspended above his head.

A terrifying Sword Intent instantly enveloped the entire scene, making the air feel sharp.

"This girl possesses the Innate Sword Heart; she is the sole Successor of my Heavenly Sword Peak!"

"Anyone who dares to snatch her away is making an enemy of Li Qingyun and an enemy of my Heavenly Sword Peak!"

In order to snatch a Disciple, this Elder, who was usually high and mighty, no longer cared about his demeanor and simply started acting like a rogue.

He turned his head, stared intently at Lin Qianxue, and pulled out a Jade Slip from his sleeve that emitted astonishing Spiritual Qi.

"Girl!"

"As long as you take me as your Revered Master, this Heaven Rank Supreme Grade Cultivation Technique, the 'Grand Supreme Forgetfulness Sword Canon,' is yours!"

"In addition, this Earth Rank High Grade 'Autumn Water Sword' is also your discipleship gift!"

"This Elder will also apply to the Holy Lord to directly establish you as the Saintess of Heavenly Sword Peak, a status second only to mine!"

A grand gesture!

Absolutely magnificent!

The eyes of the Disciples below the stage turned red.

A Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique!

An Earth Rank Spiritual Artifact!

Is this the treatment a Genius receives?

Liu Qingluo, Tieshan, and the others exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat grim.

Although they also wanted to compete, Li Qingyun had clearly gone all out this time, even bringing out such treasured possessions.

Furthermore, Lin Qianxue truly has a Sword Heart, so going to Heavenly Sword Peak is justifiable.

Seeing the crowd fall silent, Li Qingyun finally revealed a trace of a smug smile.

He glanced at Su Ye provocatively.

That look seemed to say: Kid, you're still too green to fight with this old man!

"Girl, why aren't you coming over to acknowledge your Revered Master?"

Li Qingyun looked at Lin Qianxue with anticipation.

However.

Lin Qianxue, who had been silent all along, slightly furrowed her brow at this moment.

Her pair of cold eyes merely glanced lightly at the treasures in Li Qingyun's hand before withdrawing her gaze.

Indifferent.

Perhaps... even a hint of disdain?

The smile on Li Qingyun's face froze.

Just then, Su Ye moved.

He didn't take out any earth-shattering Magic Treasures, nor did he make any grand promises.

He simply walked slowly in front of Lin Qianxue, maintaining a distance of three steps—a safe distance that was neither too distant nor offensive.

"Junior Sister."

Su Ye spoke softly; his voice was not loud, yet it seemed to possess a strange magical power, piercing through the wind and snow, reaching straight into people's hearts.

"For the past three days, at Midnight every day, do you feel a sharp pain in your Dantian, like ten thousand needles piercing your heart?"

Lin Qianxue's eyes, which had been as placid as an ancient well, showed fluctuation for the first time.

She raised her head and looked at Su Ye.

Su Ye smiled faintly and continued:

"On every full moon night, do you feel your entire body's blood freezing, as if you have fallen into a Ten Thousand Year Ice Cavern, making life worse than death?"

Lin Qianxue's pupils constricted slightly.

"Do you think this pain is the inevitable price of Cultivation?"

"Do you think that as long as your sword is fast enough, you can sever this pain?"

Su Ye shook his head, a perfectly timed hint of "pity" appearing in his eyes.

"You are wrong."

"That is not a price; that is you overdrawing your life."

"If you continue to Cultivate the sword, within ten years, your Meridians will be completely shattered by the Cold Qi."

"At that time, let alone reaching the Peak of the Dao of the Sword, even being a Mortal will be a luxury."

Su Ye's words were like a heavy hammer, striking fiercely at Lin Qianxue's heart.

She had never told anyone about these symptoms.

Even her closest Elders in the clan did not know what kind of torment she endured every night.

Yet, this man she had never met before exposed it with a single sentence.

"You..."

Lin Qianxue finally spoke.

Her voice was clear and pleasant, yet it carried a bone-chilling coldness. "Can you cure it?"

Three simple words.

Yet, they caused the alarm bells to ring loudly in Li Qingyun's heart.

This is bad!

Disaster is imminent!

"Girl! Don't listen to his alarmist talk!"

Li Qingyun grew anxious and quickly interjected, "What Cold Poison? Once your cultivation rises, you can naturally suppress it!"

"Furthermore, my Heavenly Sword Peak has plenty of Spirit Pills and miraculous medicines. At worst, this old man will go beg the Holy Lord..."

"Junior Martial Uncle Li."

Su Ye interrupted him, the smile on his face receding slightly, replaced by a trace of solemnity.

"It is not that this Disciple is being alarmist."

"The suffering of this extreme cold Physique, apart from my Purple Bamboo Peak's Taiyin Lineage, others simply cannot understand, let alone fundamentally cure."

"What's more..."

Su Ye turned around, looked directly at Li Qingyun, and suddenly erupted with a burst of Grand Yin Qi that, while not strong, was extremely pure.

As soon as that Qi emerged, the Cold Qi within Lin Qianxue's body actually resonated slightly, as if it had found its home.

"My Revered Master, Yun Yuzhen, is the Taiyin Sacred Body."

"In this world, only she knows how to guide this power."

Hearing the three words "Yun Yuzhen," Li Qingyun's expression changed.

That crazy woman... a Prodigy who reached the Tribulation Crossing Realm, Tenth Heaven at three hundred years old, just half a step away from Entering the Sage realm.

Although it is rumored that she recently suffered a setback in her Cultivation and is in Seclusion, her residual prestige remains.

"Even if your Revered Master is formidable, she is currently in Seclusion. Who knows when she will be able to teach a Disciple?"

Li Qingyun was still struggling desperately, "Furthermore, are the resources offered by my Heavenly Sword Peak really inferior to your Purple Bamboo Peak, which is so poor it only has bamboo left?"

Purple Bamboo Peak has a sparse population, and its resources are indeed not as abundant as other Main Peaks; this is a fact.

"Junior Martial Uncle Li, you are forcing my hand."

Su Ye sighed softly, appearing extremely helpless.

He slowly pulled out a purple jade token from his sleeve.

Carved on the jade token was a cold, crescent moon, emitting a chilling light that made hearts palpitate.

Seeing this jade token is like seeing the Peak Master!

“Before Revered Master went into Seclusion, she left behind a decree.”

Su Ye held the jade token aloft, his expression solemn, his voice ringing out:

“Anyone encountered with Supreme Grade natural talent of the Grand Yin or Ice/Cold attribute must be brought back to Purple Bamboo Peak, regardless of the cost!”

“Those who disobey will be considered to be provoking Purple Bamboo Peak, provoking... Yun Yuzhen!”

Su Ye emphasized the last sentence.

A bone-chilling killing intent faintly emanated from the jade token.

Li Qingyun's pupils sharply contracted.

He subconsciously retreated half a step.

It wasn't just him; Liu Qingluo, Tieshan, and the others who had been hoping to join the fun also fell silent, a trace of fear flashing in their eyes.

The Taiyin Peak Master, Yun Yuzhen.

She was famously protective of her own and notoriously insane throughout the entire Taichu Holy Land.

If they truly angered her, once she emerged from Seclusion, she might directly take up her sword and slaughter her way up the various Peaks.

Starting a war with that madwoman over one Disciple... wasn't worth it.

It truly wasn't worth it.

Li Qingyun's face flickered between emotions, and the Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique in his hand crinkled audibly.

He was unwilling!

She clearly possessed an Innate Sword Heart!

He had clearly set his sights on her first!

But... looking at the token in Su Ye's hand, which represented Yun Yuzhen's personal presence, he finally gritted his teeth and coldly snorted:

“Fine!”

“What a Purple Bamboo Peak!”

“Su Ye, this Immortal Master has recorded today's events!”

“If this girl's talent is buried at your Purple Bamboo Peak, this Immortal Master will definitely go to the Holy Lord and report you all!”

After speaking, Li Qingyun flicked his sleeve, recalled his longsword, and angrily turned back to his seat, saying no more.

The other Elders, seeing this, also shook their heads helplessly and gave up the struggle.

There was no choice.

Competing in wealth, they might win.

But competing in backing, competing against the deterrence of that madwoman, they were truly weak.

Seeing this, Su Ye chuckled inwardly.

As expected.

A tiger skin is best used when hoisted on a large banner.

Revered Master, oh Revered Master, although you are currently lying in bed unable to move, your name is still extremely useful.

Your Disciple is doing this to strengthen our Purple Bamboo Peak. If you were under the nine springs... oh wait, if you knew, you would definitely be “relieved,” right?

Su Ye put away the jade token, turned around, and looked back at Lin Qianxue.

Now, the biggest obstacle had been cleared.

But he knew the final decision rested with the girl.

“Junior Sister Lin.”

The killing intent on Su Ye's face instantly vanished, replaced by his signature gentle smile.

He didn't act superior like Li Qingyun, nor did he try to sell Purple Bamboo Peak like merchandise.

He simply extended one hand, palm up, making a gesture of invitation.

“Although Purple Bamboo Peak has few people, its advantage is tranquility.”

“There are purple bamboo groves covering the mountains, cold pools that never thaw, and... someone who understands your coldness.”

“Junior Sister, are you willing to come up the mountain with me?”

Under the sunlight.

Su Ye wore a moon-white robe, his figure tall and straight like a pine, his ink-black hair gently fluttering in the wind.

His features were exquisitely refined, especially his eyes, which were deep like the starry sky, seemingly containing endless tenderness and tolerance.

Coupled with the “Exiled Immortal” temperament augmented by the System.

At this moment, even if he said nothing, just standing there made him the most beautiful sight.

All eyes in the arena focused on Lin Qianxue.

Waiting for the Genius's choice.

Lin Qianxue quietly looked at Su Ye.

Her gaze moved from Su Ye's palm to his face.

Her clear, cold eyes seemed to be weighing options and thinking.

Heavenly Sword Peak had many resources and powerful Cultivation Techniques, but it was also... noisy.

That red-bearded old man (Chiyan) was too fiery.

That sword-wielding uncle (Li Qingyun) was too fierce, and... he looked too unkempt.

As for the others... Lin Qianxue glanced across the faces of the Elders, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

All were Mortals and common folk.

Only the person before her.

Was clean.

Good-looking.

Just looking at him felt... pleasing to the eye.

For a girl who had lived year-round in ice and snow, whose mind was so simple that it only contained Cultivation, her worldview was often ridiculously straightforward.

Since she had to Cultivate anyway.

Since Purple Bamboo Peak could also solve her physical problems.

Why not choose the one who was the most pleasant to look at?

“Good.”

Just as everyone held their breath.

Lin Qianxue parted her red lips and uttered a single word.

Simple.

Direct.

Without the slightest bit of hesitation.

She completely ignored Li Qingyun's gaze, which was practically spitting fire, raised her foot, and walked step by step toward Su Ye.

Then.

Under the gaze of countless envious and jealous eyes, she extended her slender, fair little hand and gently placed it in Su Ye's palm.

The touch was slightly cool, like holding fine jade.

“I will go with you.”

Lin Qianxue looked at Su Ye and said earnestly.

Then, perhaps feeling her explanation wasn't thorough enough, she added in a low voice:

“You are good-looking.”

“Looking at you... isn't annoying.”

Silence.

A deathly silence.

At this moment, it was as if even the wind had stopped.

Li Qingyun spat out the mouthful of Spirit Tea he had just drunk with a “pfft.”

Chiyan Immortal Master widened his ox-like eyes, and a few strands of his beard were ripped out.

The tens of thousands of Disciples below the stage gaped, their jaws practically hitting the floor.

Wh-What reason?

Good-looking?

Not annoying to look at?

A magnificent Saint Grade Spiritual Root, a Genius rarely seen in ten thousand years, rejected Heaven Rank Cultivation Techniques, rejected Earth Rank Spiritual Artifacts, rejected the position of Saintess... and ultimately, it was because of... appearance?!

And she just left because of that?!

“Pfft—”

Li Qingyun clutched his chest, feeling his blood and Qi surge violently, his Dao Heart nearly shattering.

This damned world that judges by looks!

Su Ye was also slightly stunned.

Clearly, even he, the “scheming” great villain, hadn't expected such a reason.

He had originally prepared a whole theoretical speech about the Grand Yin True Scripture, and even planned to briefly display the Three Thousand Drops of Weak Water Divine Ability to awe her.

In the end... that was it?

[Ding! The Daughter of Luck, Lin Qianxue, has generated preliminary favorable feelings toward the Host!]

[Favorability: 20 (A chance encounter, beginning with appearance)]

[Evaluation: Heh, a superficial woman. However, the Host's exterior is indeed highly deceptive.]

In his mind, the System's cold notification sounded at the opportune moment.

Su Ye's mouth twitched slightly, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

Superficial is good.

I like superficial people.

If everyone were as difficult to handle as Revered Master, when would my path as a villain ever end?

“Junior Sister... you truly are an honest person.”

Su Ye suppressed his laughter and turned his hand to hold Lin Qianxue's soft, boneless little hand.

Instead of taking advantage of the situation, he gentlemanly led her onto the Flying Sword.

“Since that is the case, then Senior Brother will take you home.”

“Rise!”

The qingming sword let out a cheerful sword cry, carrying the two of them into the air.

“Senior Martial Uncles and Junior Martial Uncles, this Disciple has fortunately completed the mission; I shall now take Junior Sister back to the Peak to report!”

Standing on the sword, Su Ye bowed remotely toward the Elders below.

His posture was as carefree as could be.

And as infuriating as could be.

“Elder Li, thank you for conceding!”

Before leaving, Su Ye didn't forget to twist the knife in Li Qingyun's wound.

Watching the azure rainbow carry two figures—one white, one moon-white—swiftly into the distance, like a pair of celestial lovers.

Li Qingyun fiercely crushed the teacup in his hand into powder.

“Su Ye!!!”

“You just wait for this old man!”

“This matter is not over!”

...High above in the sky.

The astral winds were biting cold.

Su Ye casually conjured a spiritual power barrier, isolating the oncoming frigid wind.

On the narrow Flying Sword.

The two stood one in front of the other.

Lin Qianxue stood behind Su Ye, looking at the tall, straight figure in front of her.

A faint, clean fragrance lingered around her nose—Su Ye's unique scent.

Unlike the medicinal or musty smells emanating from the old fellows, this scent made her feel very secure.

“Senior Brother.”

Lin Qianxue suddenly spoke.

“Hmm?” Su Ye slightly tilted his head. “Does Junior Sister have a question?”

“Purple Bamboo Peak...”

Lin Qianxue hesitated for a moment before asking the question she cared about most: “Is the food... delicious?”

Su Ye stumbled, almost losing control of the Flying Sword.

He turned around, looking with astonishment at the aloof girl, who wore a serious expression as if asking about the great truths of the Dao.

At this moment, Lin Qianxue's eyes held less indifference and more... expectation?

So she was a foodie?

Su Ye couldn't help but laugh silently.

This made things even more interesting.

Appearance fanatic, plus foodie attribute.

She practically existed just to be conquered.

“Don't worry.”

Su Ye turned his head back, looked forward, and curved his lips into a meaningful smile.

In his mind, he couldn't help but picture his Revered Master, who was still locked up starving in the Cold Jade Palace.

And that half-eaten cold roasted chicken.

“Senior Brother's cooking skills are highly praised even by Revered Master.”

“Once we return to the Peak, Senior Brother will personally cook for you.”

“I guarantee I'll feed you until you're... plump and fair.”

Su Ye's voice was so gentle it seemed water could drip from it.

But in the angle where no one could see.

A greedy and malicious gleam flashed in the depths of his eyes.

It was the look a hunter gives a little white rabbit caught in a trap.

“The Taiyin Sacred Body is secured.”

“The Saint Grade Ice Spirit Root is also secured.”

“Plus that Lin Waner who has a lot of 'water'...”

“Why should I worry that my Yin Yang Dragon Phoenix Creation Scripture cannot reach Major Achievement?”

Purple Bamboo Peak.

I've brought back another little lamb.

Revered Master, you must be very happy, right?