A year passed in the blink of an eye, and Luo Ling on Qingxiao Peak was no longer the naive girl who had just entered the sect. She was now a young cultivator, brimming with spiritual energy and vitality. At this moment, she was clinging to a tall, red-haired senior in long robes, her face buried in the senior's ample chest, pleading coquettishly,“Senior Sister, please teach me a footwork technique! Please, I beg you~“
This red-haired senior, known for her fiery hair and elegance, was none other than Luo Ling's eldest senior sister—Feng Wu. Feng Wu’s face turned slightly flushed, and she helplessly smiled, gently stroking Luo Ling's hair.“You little rascal, have you already mastered all the other techniques? Your master will teach you the other methods in the future.“
Luo Ling pouted, her eyes suddenly lighting up. She quickly demonstrated the techniques she had learned so far, the Spirit Sword Technique and the Rainbow Palm, on the open ground. Her movements were as fluid as water, and spiritual energy swirled around her, forming faint shimmering lights.
First, she performed the Spirit Sword Technique. Taking a deep breath, she picked up a branch and swept it through the air, as though wielding an invisible long sword. As she moved, subtle waves of spiritual energy rippled through the air, converging along the path of her sword strikes and forming bright sword shadows. Her figure appeared and vanished within the sword light, the sword moves unpredictable—at times swift and fierce like a storm, at times gentle and flowing like water. Each strike carried a graceful, lively beauty.
Next came the Rainbow Palm. She retracted the sword stance, and with a gentle push of her palms, beams of rainbow-colored light suddenly shone from the center of her hands. As her palms moved, the light swirled, forming arcs of vibrant color, much like a rainbow dancing through the air.
Her palm technique appeared soft and gentle, yet it concealed deadly intent. With each palm strike, the surrounding spiritual energy was stirred, creating gusts of air that rippled outward, much like stones disturbing the surface of water, sending waves of energy spreading in all directions.
Her movements not only demonstrated the intricacy of the technique but also showcased her precise control over the spiritual energy. The energy flowed effortlessly through her hands, as though it were an extension of her will—fluid and powerful. Each gesture was executed with such accuracy, the spiritual energy swirling around her in a dynamic display.
“You... you really learned it? And you've even manifested a spiritual body!“ Feng Wu exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. Luo Ling's progress had far exceeded her expectations.
“Senior Sister, what is a spiritual body?“
Feng Wu explained,“A spiritual body is when you've practiced a technique to the point where it becomes second nature. Every movement you make draws in the surrounding spiritual energy. These energies then gather together to form a spiritual body, which enhances the power of your techniques.“
Feng Wu pinched Luo Ling's cheek playfully.“My little Ling'er, you're truly a genius. No wonder you have top-tier talent.“
Under her sister's playful teasing, Luo Ling raised her small fist proudly, her face beaming with delight. Feng Wu, doting on her, patted Luo Ling’s head, knowing there was no escaping this moment of affection.
Reaching into her spatial ring, Feng Wu pulled out a thin book and handed it to Luo Ling.“This is 'Phantom Step'. It's a movement technique that suits you well. But, don't you dare tell Master that I taught you this.“ At the same time, Feng Wu thought to herself,“Wanwan has already reached this level, yet Master still hasn't passed on any new techniques to her. Why hasn't she shared anything more advanced?“
Luo Ling took the book with both hands and looked at Feng Wu with gratitude.“Senior Sister, don't worry. I'll be careful. I won't leave the sect, hehe.“
Feng Wu affectionately ruffled Luo Ling's hair before turning to leave.
As she watched her Senior Sister's retreating figure, Luo Ling couldn't help but murmur to herself in awe,“Senior Sister is so amazing—beautiful, gentle, with a perfect figure. Her curves are stunning, and her steps are so graceful. She's like a walking work of art. There's something uniquely charming about her, a balance of maturity and elegance, with the lightness and energy of a young girl. Wait, what am I doing? She's my Senior Sister...“
Realizing that her thoughts might have crossed a line, Luo Ling quickly shook her head, trying to push the fleeting thoughts away. Still, she couldn't help but feel a special closeness and trust between them, like a bond shared only between sisters.
Luo Ling withdrew her gaze and tightly gripped the Phantom Step book in her hands, her heart filled with anticipation for the future and gratitude towards her Senior Sister. She knew that this wasn’t just a technique—it was a symbol of the trust and affection her Senior Sister had shown her.“Senior Sister is truly beautiful inside and out, a person with a heart as vast as the sky,“ she thought. She then returned to her quarters to begin her cultivation.
Inside the main hall of Qingxiao Peak, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Yun Ni was conversing with a charming woman. This woman was named Bi Yao, the Peak Master of the other main peak, Bishi Peak, in Lingxiao Sect. She was also a disciple of the Sect Master. Bi Yao's beauty carried a seductive charm that made it impossible for anyone to ignore her presence.
“Yun Ni, I heard you've taken on a disciple with immortal-grade talent. Tsk tsk, it's been a year, and I wonder how she's been progressing. How about a little competition between her and my new disciple?“ Bi Yao's tone carried a hint of provocation.
Yun Ni furrowed her brows, showing a hint of impatience. She had long been accustomed to Bi Yao's provocations. Both Bi Yao and she were selected by the Sect Master from among many disciples as talents, but Yun Ni was chosen as the eldest disciple, a fact that had always been a thorn in Bi Yao's side. As the second disciple, Bi Yao had always been dissatisfied with Yun Ni's position and constantly sought opportunities to provoke her.
“Bi Yao, no matter how talented your disciple is, they still can't compare to the disciples of Qingxiao Peak,“ Yun Ni said coldly, her tone carrying an undeniable confidence.
Bi Yao chuckled softly.“Oh? Well, I look forward to seeing if you can keep the title of your so-called 'immortal-grade disciple' this time.“
Yun Ni took a deep breath, about to refuse her, when suddenly Luo Ling's voice rang out.“Peak Master Bi Yao, though I have only been in the sect for three years, I have learned some skills. I am now at half-step Spirit Condensation. Since the Peak Master is insistent on a challenge, I will not back down.“
Yun Ni sent a voice transmission:“Luo Ling, Bi Yao's disciple is already at mid-level Spirit Condensation, with faint signs of breaking through to high-level. The gap between you two is too great. I'm worried.“
Luo Ling felt nervous, but she knew this was her chance to prove herself. She nodded firmly and said,“Master, I won’t let you down.“
Bi Yao’s gaze lingered on Luo Ling, and a meaningful smile curled at the corner of her lips. Her voice, sweet and alluring, rang out,“So, Yun Ni, your disciple isn’t afraid. Could it be that you’re the one who’s scared?“
Yun Ni turned her head to glance at her and scoffed,“Hmph, do you really think we would back down from a challenge?“
Bi Yao said,“Alright, then let’s set it for a month later, on the Lingxiao Sect’s grand competition stage. I hope your disciple won’t disappoint me.“
Yun Ni did not respond, merely turning coldly and signaling for Luo Ling to follow. Bi Yao watched them leave, a flicker of unwillingness and anticipation crossing her eyes. She knew that this upcoming duel wasn’t just a contest between two disciples—it was also a battle of status and strength between her and Yun Ni.
On the way back to their cave, Yun Ni said to Luo Ling,“Although Bi Yao's intentions are not pure, her strength and insight should not be underestimated. Remember, this competition will not only test your power, but also your wit and strategy.“
Luo Ling nodded, her heart filled with anticipation for the challenge and trust in her master. She knew that this would be her chance to make a name for herself in Lingxiao Sect, as well as an opportunity to bring honor to her master.