The Clear Void Sword Sect basked in the glow of Ye Ping's latest "miracle," his name whispered reverently in every hall and corridor. The legend of the dense yet astonishing genius cultivator spread beyond sect boundaries like wildfire, attracting curious visitors and disciples eager to glimpse the "Pathless Sword Dao."
Ye Ping, however, remained blissfully ignorant of his rising fame. His days continued in a simple rhythm — eating, napping, wandering, and occasionally "accidentally" causing wondrous phenomena that others swore were profound sword techniques.
This morning was no different.
The sun had barely risen, yet Ye Ping was already at the training grounds, a sleepy smile on his face, holding his battered wooden sword like a child with a new toy.
"Master Ye, your dedication amazes me," said Ling Xue, appearing silently behind him, her silver hair catching the dawn light.
Ye Ping yawned widely.
"Uh… thanks. I was just trying to not trip today."
Ling Xue chuckled.
"You do have a unique method."
As Ye Ping raised his sword to practice the basic strikes from the manual, a sudden gust of wind scattered a pile of leaves into a swirling dance around him.
The disciples nearby gasped.
"A true master controls even the elements!"
Ye Ping blinked.
"Uh… the wind just blew. I didn't do anything."
A sharp voice interrupted.
"Don't be so modest, Ye Ping. That was no coincidence."
Everyone turned to see a tall figure approaching — a middle-aged man cloaked in black robes embroidered with silver dragons, his eyes sharp and penetrating.
The sect elder, Tian Mu.
Ye Ping blinked at the elder.
"Uh… hello, Elder Tian Mu."
Tian Mu smiled thinly.
"Your unintentional techniques have drawn much attention. I have come to see this 'Pathless Sword Dao' for myself."
Ye Ping scratched his head.
"Uh… it's really just luck and clumsiness."
Tian Mu's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Luck or not, the results are extraordinary."
**
Days passed, and Elder Tian Mu lingered in the sect, observing Ye Ping's every move. While the other disciples admired Ye Ping's "genius," Tian Mu's expression remained inscrutable.
One afternoon, in the training hall, Tian Mu finally spoke.
"Ye Ping, you do not possess the typical signs of a cultivator's talent."
Ye Ping blinked, confused.
"What? Not talented? But everyone says I'm a genius."
Tian Mu stroked his beard.
"You are not a cultivator, yet you manifest power in unusual ways."
Ye Ping scratched his head harder.
"Uh… then why does everyone say I'm a genius?"
Tian Mu's eyes twinkled.
"Because they see the effects but not the cause. You have something rare — the power of inadvertent cultivation."
Ye Ping tilted his head.
"Power of… what now?"
Tian Mu smiled.
"It means your strength comes not from training or talent but from pure, unintentional energy released through your actions."
Ye Ping's eyes widened.
"Like when I accidentally broke the stone pillar?"
Tian Mu nodded.
"Exactly. Your body channels latent energy unconsciously."
Ye Ping grinned.
"Wow, so I'm still special!"
Tian Mu laughed softly.
"Indeed. And with guidance, you could harness it."
Ye Ping's smile faltered.
"Guidance? Uh… I don't want to study hard."
Tian Mu raised an eyebrow.
"Hard work is the path for most. But your path is unique."
**
That evening, under the glow of the setting sun, Tian Mu invited Ye Ping to the secluded Bamboo Grove.
"Here, we will begin your true training."
Ye Ping glanced nervously at the peaceful grove.
"Uh… what kind of training?"
Tian Mu handed him a simple bamboo staff.
"First, we must awaken your awareness of the Qi flowing through your body."
Ye Ping took the staff awkwardly.
"Qi… that invisible stuff?"
Tian Mu smiled.
"Exactly. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and feel."
Ye Ping closed his eyes and inhaled.
"Like this?"
A soft glow surrounded him, faint but undeniable.
Tian Mu nodded.
"Good. Now, focus on guiding the Qi through your limbs."
Ye Ping tried, but after a few moments, his face twisted.
"Uh… I feel like I want to sneeze."
Tian Mu chuckled.
"Patience. It takes time."
Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed.
Ye Ping sneezed loudly, and the bamboo staff snapped in two.
Tian Mu's eyes widened briefly, then he smiled.
"An explosive start."
Ye Ping grinned sheepishly.
"Uh… sorry about that."
**
As days turned into weeks, Ye Ping's training with Tian Mu was filled with humor and unexpected discoveries.
Each lesson ended with some mishap — broken equipment, startled animals fleeing the grove, or Ye Ping accidentally igniting a patch of bamboo.
Yet, slowly, Ye Ping began sensing the faint pulses of Qi, no longer just a confused mortal but a cultivator in his own bewildering way.
Meanwhile, rumors of his training spread, and more disciples sought to witness the transformation of the sect's legendary "Pathless Genius."
Ye Ping, however, just wanted to eat his buns in peace.
But fate was far from done with him.