Chapter 111 Ten Years
When Xiao Ling'er and Xiao Chen finally separated, Chen Chang'an stepped forward slowly.
"Xiao Ling'er greets senior." The young girl bowed gracefully, her black hair swaying lightly in the wind.
For some reason, this master of her elder brother Xiao Chen—whom she was meeting for the first time—gave her a strange sense of warmth, as if they had long been acquainted.
Chen Chang'an smiled and nodded. "No need for formality."
He turned and beckoned to Xiao Chen and Jiang Che. "Come."
Xiao Chen nodded to Xiao Ling'er, then quickly walked forward. Jiang Che followed somewhat nervously, his eyes filled with both expectation and unease.
The two of them stood before Chen Chang'an, unconsciously straightening their backs.
"Xiao Chen, from now on he is your fourth junior brother, Jiang Che." Chen Chang'an's voice was gentle yet firm, his gaze shifting between the two. Then he looked at Jiang Che, his tone carrying extra weight. "This is my eldest disciple, your senior brother, Xiao Chen."
Xiao Chen and Jiang Che exchanged a glance. Xiao Chen was the first to clasp his hands, a gentle smile rising on his lips. "Fourth junior brother." Jiang Che hurriedly returned the greeting, his voice tinged with excitement. "I have met senior brother." The moment their eyes met, an invisible bond of understanding seemed to form between them.
Chen Chang'an nodded slightly, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes.
He stirred his spiritual sense, sending out a sound transmission.
Moments later, Ji Lingxiu and Han Yu ended their cultivation and quickly arrived.
Soon, the four disciples gathered in the open space at the center of the valley, naturally lining up in the order they had entered the sect.
Chen Chang'an's gaze swept slowly across them, his expression gradually turning serious. "The reason I have called you here today is to tell you something." His voice was not loud, but it carried a rhythm that made everyone instinctively hold their breath.
"The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you do not advance, you fall back." Chen Chang'an's tone was low and powerful, each word striking deep into their hearts. "Your talents are outstanding, but talent is only the beginning. Hard work is the foundation."
His eyes turned to Xiao Chen, sharp as fire. "Your talent in the sword is exceptional, but you must not grow arrogant. The sword path has no end. Today's peak is only tomorrow's beginning." Xiao Chen's expression tightened, and he nodded heavily.
When his gaze shifted to Han Yu, Chen Chang'an's tone softened slightly. "Your will is resilient, but you must restrain impatience. Cultivation is like cooking fine fish; if the timing is wrong, the dish cannot succeed." Han Yu reflected deeply, his fists unconsciously clenching and releasing.
Then came Ji Lingxiu. A trace of affection flickered in Chen Chang'an's eyes. "I know you are clever beyond others, but on the path of cultivation, you must remain grounded. Remember, the Dao most fears shortcuts and opportunism." Ji Lingxiu's face flushed slightly, but she met her master's gaze with determination.
Finally, it was Jiang Che, the newest disciple. Chen Chang'an's voice was especially gentle. "Your aptitude is excellent, but you must temper your heart. Cultivation begins with the heart. If the heart is unsteady, the Dao cannot be achieved." Jiang Che bowed deeply, his eyes shining with resolve.
Chen Chang'an looked with satisfaction at his thoughtful disciples, the mountain wind stirring his black hair, glimmering faintly in the sunlight.
This was the foundation of his future carefree life.
Thinking this, his voice grew more solemn. "What I can do as your master is only to guide you into the immortal path. But cultivation is ultimately your own matter. From now on, you must cultivate diligently, with no trace of negligence."
He paused, his gaze turning distant. "I hope you will soon achieve success, step onto the immortal path, and seek eternal life! This is not only my expectation, but also a promise to your own lives."
All four answered in unison, "Yes, master!"
Their voices echoed through the valley, startling a few birds into flight. The sunlight poured down, casting long shadows of master and disciples, as if witnessing this solemn moment.
Chen Chang'an turned toward the distant sea of clouds, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He knew that the seeds planted today would one day bloom into radiant flowers.
All he needed to do was wait for them to blossom.
But for now, there was still one more matter at hand!
…
[Ding!]
System notification: Legendary achievement completed—"I Am Destiny."
I Am Destiny: Collect four Children of Fate in the pet column. [Achievement progress: 4/4]
Achievement reward: Random immortal artifact.
Would you like to draw a random immortal artifact?
[Yes]
[Ding! Congratulations, host has obtained: Mid-grade Immortal Artifact 'Four Swords of Zhu Xian (Replica)', with bonus Zhu Xian Sword Formation Diagram.]
Upon hearing the system notification, Chen Chang'an raised his brows.
"The Four Swords of Zhu Xian?" With a thought, four ancient swords appeared, hovering before him.
Their blades were entirely dark red, edges glinting with a cold and chilling light, their spines engraved with complex Dao patterns.
Although only replicas, the fierce aura of slaughter they exuded was enough to make one shiver.
"Not bad." Chen Chang'an nodded in satisfaction. "Though mere imitations, their power should be sufficient."
He casually picked up the formation diagram included as a bonus. Sweeping it with his spiritual sense, understanding dawned instantly.
"Perfect to arrange a defensive formation for the valley."
The formations he had received previously were too weak, unable to withstand even a casual strike from him, safer to guard the valley personally. But this was different—the Zhu Xian Sword Formation, even as a replica, was far beyond what an ordinary Saint Realm could withstand!
Chen Chang'an stepped forward, arriving above the valley in a single stride.
"Go!"
With a wave of his sleeve, the four immortal swords transformed into streaks of light, descending toward the four corners of the valley.
"Clang—"
The sound of sword cries echoed through the heavens. Four scarlet beams shot skyward, weaving together in midair into a vast net of blades. The formation diagram unfolded, countless runes flowing and merging with the sword light, before finally vanishing into the void.
In an instant, the entire valley was shrouded in an invisible aura of killing intent.
"It is done." Chen Chang'an sensed the power of the formation and nodded slightly.
Once this sword formation was unleashed, even a cultivator of the same realm would be flayed if they dared to intrude!
Xiao Chen gazed up at the formation, his throat tightening involuntarily. He had never witnessed such a sharp sword intent—each strand of sword energy drifting within seemed capable of cutting apart mountains and rivers with ease.
Beside him, Han Yu and the others also felt their pupils constrict, their throats dry. They, too, could faintly perceive the terrifying might of this formation.
…
After completing the array, Chen Chang'an returned to the ground.
With another wave of his sleeve, four fierce sword lights flashed out, hovering before the disciples.
The Sword of Execution, the Sword of Slaughter, the Sword of Entrapment, the Sword of Extinction—each long sword was entirely dark red, their edges breathing cold gleams, their blades engraved with ancient Dao patterns, radiating a murderous aura that chilled the heart.
"These four swords, today I bestow upon you." Chen Chang'an stood with hands behind his back, his tone calm yet unquestionable. "The Four Swords of Zhu Xian are weapons of slaughter. Wielded separately, each carries the might of a top-grade spirit weapon."
The four disciples stiffened, solemnly receiving the blades.
The moment Xiao Chen grasped the Sword of Execution, the blade quivered faintly, a dragon's cry echoing within, as its fierce aura resonated with the sword intent in his body.
When Han Yu gripped the Sword of Slaughter, its edge flared with a cold glint, as if blood rippled along its surface. His heart tightened, and he hurried to steady his mind.
Ji Lingxiu gently stroked the Sword of Entrapment. The blade was icy to the touch, yet carried a hidden malice that made her brow crease. But soon she steadied herself, her eyes firm with resolve.
Jiang Che held the Sword of Extinction with both hands. The blade was heavy, its killing intent restrained, yet the overwhelming aura within caused the Candle Yin Jade in his body to tremble uneasily.
The four sheathed their swords and bowed together. "Thank you, master, for granting us these swords!"
Chen Chang'an nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over them. Seeing their solemn expressions, as if expecting further admonition, he suddenly chuckled, his voice lightening. "Next…"
The four immediately straightened, their faces grave, thinking their master would continue instructing them.
But Chen Chang'an's lips curled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Next, your master will prepare a proper feast to welcome your junior brother."
The four froze, then exchanged glances.
"Pfft—" Ji Lingxiu was the first to laugh aloud.
Xiao Chen shook his head with a smile, Han Yu's tense face eased, while Jiang Che scratched his head in embarrassment.
Chen Chang'an waved a broad hand. "Don't just stand there. Go prepare yourselves. Tonight we shall eat well!"
With that, he turned toward the kitchen, his figure relaxed and carefree, with no trace of stern authority.
The four disciples shared a smile and hurried after him.
At the rear, Xiao Chen waved toward Xiao Ling'er. She ran over joyfully, leaving only Old Mo standing in the wind…
His mind drifted back to when Xiao Ling'er had left the Southern Wastes months ago. The Saint Venerate had instructed him to protect her well, while sighing and shaking his head—"Just like her mother! A grown daughter cannot be kept, a grown daughter cannot be kept…"
…
As the sun set, smoke curled into the sky from the valley, carrying the fragrance of food.
The Four Swords of Zhu Xian rested quietly in a corner, their scabbards ancient, their edges hidden.
With their current cultivation, they could not yet refine these swords.
At this moment, everyone in the valley gathered around the table. Even Ji Hongli, who rarely left seclusion, had been coaxed into attending by Chen Xingcai's persistent persuasion.
Cups were raised and laughter flowed.
Chen Xingcai's teasing voice often rang out between the chatter.
The road of cultivation was long, but at least tonight—
They needed only to savor the feast before them, and this rare warmth.
…
And then…
Ten years passed—
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