...
An hour later, Tian Buyi arrived at the foot of Tongtian Peak, the main and most revered summit of Qingyun Mountain.
This was not just any mountain; it was the very heart of the Qingyun Sect, where the ancient ancestors had left behind powerful relics, sacred teachings, and nearly impenetrable defensive formations.
The atmosphere here was different solemn, pure, filled with the essence of heaven and earth.
Clouds curled softly around the cliffs, and birds did not dare fly too close to the peak's summit, wary of the invisible pressure that loomed overhead.
As per Qingyun rules, no disciple or elder, no matter how highly ranked, was allowed to fly directly above Tongtian Peak.
That was a privilege reserved only for the Sect Leader himself.
Thus, Tian Buyi descended gracefully, his Red Flame Sword spiraling down like a comet.
He landed just outside the Rainbow Bridge, a shimmering arc of light that led to the heart of the peak.
Tian Buyi took a deep breath, smoothed his robe, adjusted his collar, and crossed the bridge with proud, almost theatrical strides. Every step seemed to announce, I bring important news!
Reaching the gates of Jade Purity Hall, the central council chamber of the Sect, he paused briefly, then pushed open the grand doors with both hands.
Inside, sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting golden rays upon the marble floor.
At the center sat Daoist Master Daoxuan, the Sect Leader himself, in quiet meditation atop a raised jade dais.
His robe was white as snow, trimmed with deep indigo, and his long beard flowed like a waterfall of silver silk. His aura was calm yet immeasurable ...like a mountain before a storm.
Standing nearby with arms folded was none other than Cangsong, Head of Longshou Peak, Tian Buyi's longtime rival.
As Tian Buyi entered, both men opened their eyes. For a split second, their gazes narrowed.....not because he was unwelcome, but because the joy on his face was far too obvious.
"Junior Brother Tian," said Daoxuan mildly, his voice gentle like flowing water. "You seem… unusually pleased today. Has your cultivation improved again?"
Tian Buyi clasped his hands together in a respectful salute, bowed slightly, and took a seat across from them.
"Not my own cultivation, Senior Brother," he replied with a grin he could barely suppress. "But my new disciple....Zhang Xiaofan...has made rather… exceptional progress."
"Oh?" Daoist Master Daoxuan gave a polite nod, not yet intrigued. "Then congratulations are in order."
He assumed the boy had merely managed to gather Qi properly or perhaps completed a few great circulations...commendable, yes, but not remarkable.
But Cangsong, sharp-eyed and proud as ever, couldn't help himself.
"Brother Tian," he said with faint derision, "everyone knows Zhang Xiaofan was among the least talented of this year's initiates.
He was only sent to Dazhu Peak because you had too few disciples."
His tone held no venom.....just cold fact delivered with a trace of smugness.
"My disciple Lin Jingyu, on the other hand…" Cangsong's mouth curled upward, "...is proving to be quite outstanding."
"Oh?" Tian Buyi responded blandly, tilting his head. "And what level has your disciple reached?"
Though they addressed each other as "brother," the two men were locked in a silent, decades-old rivalry....one of prestige, pride, and peak honor.
Cangsong's chest puffed slightly. "It normally takes a talented disciple about a year to complete the first level of Jade Purity.
But Lin Jingyu? In just two months, he has successfully drawn Qi, completed thirty-six full circulations, and entered the first level."
He glanced sidelong at Tian Buyi and added, with calculated smugness, "If this pace continues, he'll reach the second level in six months."
Daoist Master Daoxuan nodded in approval. "Lin Jingyu is indeed promising. He may well become one of the cornerstones of Qingyun's future."
Tian Buyi, however, simply looked toward the tall windows, his hands clasped behind his back and belly pushed forward, utterly relaxed.
Cangsong's eye twitched. Still pretending not to care? Let's see how long you can keep it up…
Finally, Cangsong turned directly to him.
"Senior Brother Tian, how is your disciple Zhang Xiaofan progressing?" he asked, his voice slow and deliberate. "Has he managed to reach the first level yet?"
Tian Buyi turned around with a pleased smile. "Third level."
The room fell into silence.
Cangsong blinked. "You mean… he's completed three circulations?"
"No," Tian Buyi replied evenly. "I mean he has reached the third level of the Jade Purity Scripture. Full mastery of the third realm."
Cangsong froze. His fingers clenched.
"Impossible," he said sharply. "Lin Jingyu is already considered a genius. And even he is still in the first level. Zhang Xiaofan was barely passable when he joined. How could he—"
Tian Buyi spread his hands, still smiling. "Don't believe me? Ask Senior Brother Daoxuan."
All eyes turned to the Sect Leader.
Daoist Master Daoxuan stroked his beard slowly, then said, "In the past three centuries, Junior Brother Tian has never exaggerated. If he says this boy has reached the third level in three months… I believe him."
Cangsong stood stiffly, his mouth slightly open, the color slowly draining from his face.
A hundred arguments rose to his lips...spiritual affinity, bone structure, natural talent....but none of them could explain how Zhang Xiaofan had leapfrogged ahead of his own disciple.
Tian Buyi clapped his hands behind his back again and took a long, slow walk across the hall, then turned.
"Well then," he said with mock innocence, "Brother Cangsong… do you believe me now?"
Cangsong's jaw tightened. His knuckles turned white at his sides.
But there was nothing more he could say.
Daoist Master Daoxuan gave a rare, faint smile. "Congratulations, Junior Brother. It seems… you have truly found a treasure."
Tian Buyi chuckled deeply, basking in the moment.
For once, he didn't have to argue, exaggerate, or force his words. Reality had done it for him.
The tables had turned.
And Dazhu Peak… was finally rising.
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