"Junior Brother Ji, can you share how you cultivate?"
"Yeah, is there some secret trick to it?"
"Could you tell us about it?"
A flock of Small Bamboo Peak's female disciples surrounded Ji Changfeng, their voices a melodious chorus. Each one was strikingly beautiful, easily rivaling the minor internet celebrities of his past life.
Despite their enthusiastic encirclement, Ji Changfeng remained composed, though inwardly he felt a touch of exasperation.
What cultivation secrets could I possibly share?
Does having heaven-defying comprehension count?
But saying that wouldn't be a "secret"—it'd just be showing off.
Thankfully, Wen Min stepped in to rescue him.
"Alright, alright," she said gently. "Junior Brother Ji is heading to the Moon-Gazing Platform. Don't pester him now. You can ask him later when he returns."
As Small Bamboo Peak's Senior Sister, Wen Min's demeanor was kind, but her authority was unquestioned. At her words, the disciples quieted down.
However, their chatter soon resumed.
"The Moon-Gazing Platform?"
"Is Junior Brother Ji interested in our Moon-Gazing Platform?"
"I think Junior Sister Lu is cultivating there, isn't she?"
"Right! Junior Sister Lu is so aloof. Aside from practicing at the platform, she barely does anything else…"
Ji Changfeng's heart stirred at their words.
Junior Sister Lu? Could it be Lu Xueqi?
Wen Min, guiding him through the crowd, spoke softly. "Junior Sister Lu is Master's most cherished disciple. In just two and a half years, she's reached the fifth layer of Jade Purity and was granted the Nine Heavens Divine Weapon, the Tianya Sword!"
A hint of envy flickered in Wen Min's eyes.
High talent, favored by their master, and bestowed with a divine weapon—these signs clearly marked Lu Xueqi as the future leader of Small Bamboo Peak.
As Senior Sister, Wen Min would be lying if she said she wasn't envious. But what could she do?
In the cultivation world, strength was everything. Without it, even a leader's title wouldn't command respect.
Still, Wen Min harbored no jealousy. She knew her limits and accepted them gracefully.
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly. "Senior Sister Wen Min, you have a truly free spirit."
"Oh? You can tell?" Wen Min glanced at him, surprised.
She hadn't expected someone so young to see through her emotions.
Ji Changfeng shook his head, steering the conversation away from Small Bamboo Peak's internal affairs. "Senior Sister Wen Min, are you acquainted with our Great Bamboo Peak's Senior Brother Song Daren?"
Wen Min froze, a flush creeping across her delicate face.
"Of course I am," she replied, her voice softer.
Ji Changfeng's smile widened. Looks like things between Senior Sister Wen Min and Senior Brother Daren are promising.
"Before coming to Small Bamboo Peak, Senior Brother Daren asked me to pass along a message," he said.
Wen Min's curiosity piqued. "What message?"
Mimicking Song Daren's earnest tone, Ji Changfeng said, "Junior Sister Wen Min, have you been well?"
A wave of color washed over Wen Min's face.
"That blockhead!" she muttered, half-exasperated.
Realizing Ji Changfeng was still there, she glanced at him in a panic.
But Ji Changfeng only smiled, his expression free of gossip or judgment.
Relieved, Wen Min steadied herself. "Junior Brother Ji, the Moon-Gazing Platform is just ahead. Let me take you there."
She hurried forward, eager to hide her embarrassment.
Ji Changfeng followed at a leisurely pace.
_
The Moon-Gazing Platform sat at Small Bamboo Peak's summit, surrounded by a wide, open clearing ideal for cultivation. A pavilion stood nearby, adding to the scenic charm.
Of course, its true beauty shone at night. The name "Moon-Gazing Platform" hinted at its purpose—how could it be complete without the moon's silvery glow?
Whoosh!
As they approached, the sound of a sword slicing through the air reached Ji Changfeng's ears.
In the distance, a young woman in white wielded a shimmering blue divine sword, her movements fluid and precise. Her face was ethereally beautiful, her skin as pale and smooth as porcelain, glowing faintly under the soft sunlight. Though young, her every gesture carried an icy aloofness, a barrier that seemed to warn others to keep their distance.
Ji Changfeng's expression remained unchanged, but he knew her identity the moment he saw her.
Lu Xueqi, the eighteenth-generation disciple of Small Bamboo Peak!
Boom!
A mysterious voice echoed in his mind.
[You have observed a beauty dancing with her sword, realizing the fleeting nature of life. One should seize the moment, roam freely, and live with unrestrained joy—your state of mind has transformed, and your cultivation has advanced!]
Whoosh!
A profound aura enveloped Ji Changfeng, his magical energy stirring instinctively.
Boom!
The spiritual energy of the heavens and earth surged toward him.
He was breaking through!
The sudden change startled Wen Min and Lu Xueqi, who was still dancing with her sword nearby. Their gazes snapped to Ji Changfeng, their eyes wide with disbelief.
He's… breaking through?!
Boom!
Ji Changfeng's magical energy pulsed, and he shattered the barrier to the fifth layer of Jade Purity.
Wen Min covered her mouth in shock, watching his breakthrough unfold.
Lu Xueqi's brows furrowed slightly.
Fifth layer of Jade Purity? Who is he?
Whoosh!
Ji Changfeng opened his eyes, exhaling a breath of turbid air. The breakthrough had been seamless, requiring little effort.
"Junior Brother Ji, did you just… break through?" Wen Min's voice trembled with astonishment.
Ji Changfeng smiled lightly. "Just a stroke of luck."
"…" Wen Min was speechless.
Here we go again. Lucky Brother strikes again!
Are you even human?!
Breaking through just by watching a sword dance? Why hadn't Lu Xueqi's performances ever had this effect before?
Lu Xueqi sheathed her sword, her cool gaze studying Ji Changfeng with curiosity.
Junior Brother Ji?
Is he the one who reached the first layer of Jade Purity in a night and the second in half a month?
____
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