Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 81

The girl in the pink dress was slightly surprised upon hearing Jiang Hanzheng’s words. She glanced at Helang, who stood tall and elegant nearby, and immediately bowed respectfully. Nervously twisting the fabric of her dress, she mustered the courage to speak, “The Supreme Master? I heard that the Master never used a sword before. I didn’t expect that you also have such expertise in swordsmanship.”

Helang smiled without replying.

Seeing his gentle demeanor, the girl relaxed a little. She expressed her admiration warmly, enthusiastically inviting him to display some of his skills to demonstrate and guide the junior disciples eager to learn swordsmanship.

Helang politely declined, explaining that his skills were not refined. But how could they believe him? Noticing that he lacked the severity and aloofness typical of other elders, their sense of reverence for him deepened, and they coquettishly pleaded with him. One even grabbed his sleeve and shook his wrist gently, pouting like a spoiled child.

Perhaps their motivations weren’t purely about learning swordsmanship. It was rare to encounter such a powerful yet approachable elder. For them, he was both mighty and untouchable, so naturally, they wanted to get closer and win his favor. Moreover, Helang was always kind to his disciples, never putting on airs.

These female disciples were young and impressionable. When they gazed at him with pleading eyes, Helang felt his scalp tingle, unable to refuse.

Jiang Hanzheng, who had been gradually pushed away from his master’s side by the surrounding girls, noticed the troubled expression on Helang’s face. The usual gentle look on his face faded imperceptibly, replaced by a cold expression. He stepped forward, firmly grabbing his master’s wrist, and apologized to the female disciples, “My apologies, but Master seldom demonstrates inner sect sword techniques.”

Without sparing them another glance, Jiang Hanzheng smiled faintly and looked up at Helang. “You’ve been sparring with me for quite some time, Master. You must be tired. Shall we return to the cave?”

Returning to the cave would be best. There, they wouldn’t be disturbed by others, and his master wouldn’t be troubled either.

He worked day and night, training tirelessly to follow in his master’s footsteps. His master wasn’t someone just anyone could approach.

As he was about to leave with Helang, a woman in white approached from a distance. The female disciples immediately greeted her respectfully, “Good day, Senior Sister.”

Helang recognized the graceful figure—it was Bai Lingzhi. Since they shared some rapport, he gave her a warm smile.

“What are you discussing? It seems lively,” she remarked after glancing at the disciples beside her. She then walked directly to Helang and bowed formally, addressing him as “Uncle Master.”

Helang nodded in response, replying, “Just chatting with the disciples about swordsmanship. Nothing much.”

Bai Lingzhi nodded and habitually glanced behind him, spotting Jiang Hanzheng. However, his expression was slightly different from usual. The normally mild-mannered and harmless youth now seemed a bit out of sorts, lowering his gaze and clutching his sword tightly as if lost in thought.

“What’s wrong with Little Zheng? Why the gloomy face?”

Helang smiled, thinking perhaps Jiang Hanzheng didn’t want him teaching swordsmanship to others. Believing he understood his young disciple, he patted his head gently and whispered in his ear like soothing a child, “What I know, I only teach you.”

The sudden tenderness of his voice caught Jiang Hanzheng off guard, sending a faint shiver down his spine. A tingling sensation coursed through him, leaving his skin flushed and his ears burning.

Finally appeased, Jiang Hanzheng rubbed his ear as the heat subsided. He timidly added, “Disciples like us dare not interfere with Master’s decisions. Whatever Master chooses to do, I have no right to object…”

His words sounded mature and sensible, but his expression betrayed his true thoughts. Perhaps he wasn’t as composed as he seemed, even appearing a bit petty—though only before his master and senior sister.

Bai Lingzhi covered her mouth, stifling a laugh, and motioned for the other disciples to return to their training.

Looking at Jiang Hanzheng, she couldn’t help but think of spirit beasts with a penchant for collecting treasures. When they found something they cherished, they’d guard it zealously, allowing no one else to touch it.

But this comparison didn’t entirely fit, as Jiang Hanzheng seemed as harmless as a soft persimmon—meek and unlikely to lash out.

Noticing Bai Lingzhi holding a few thread-bound books, Helang’s interest was piqued, and he asked her about them.

She displayed the books briefly before tucking them back into her arms with a hint of embarrassment. “When Master doesn’t require my assistance, I train on my own or read light books—not profound texts. I hope Uncle Master won’t find it laughable.”

Helang shook his head, still intrigued. In this world with scarce entertainment, books were one of the few ways to pass the time. They offered a glimpse into other worlds and curiosities, providing invaluable insights and knowledge. Whenever he had free time—especially when Jiang Hanzheng was busy training—he’d immerse himself in various miscellaneous readings.

As fellow book enthusiasts, they engaged in a lively conversation. Bai Lingzhi was careful not to ignore Jiang Hanzheng, occasionally addressing him and maintaining a respectful distance from Helang. She ensured Jiang Hanzheng could remain close to his master.

The conversation eventually turned to the books Helang had been reading recently. One mentioned the Bodhi Seed, an item that had captured his interest.

Bai Lingzhi, who had read extensively, recognized the item and shared what she knew. Hearing her mention it, Helang immediately inquired further, eager for any leads.

Bai Lingzhi racked her brain before recalling a few titles that might help. However, these books weren’t available in the sect’s library and would have to be sought in the towns below the mountain.

Helang immediately prepared to descend the mountain, but Jiang Hanzheng grabbed his hand, lips pursed tightly.

Bai Lingzhi offered a reassuring smile. “No need to hurry, Uncle Master. Although these books aren’t in the library, my master has tasked me with errands in town. I’ll look for them and inform you as soon as I find anything to assist you.”

Helang relaxed and, after bidding her farewell, returned to his cave.

If they could locate the Bodhi Seed this year, Jiang Hanzheng might achieve another breakthrough, reaching the level of his senior brothers who had trained for years. He would then be qualified to compete in the year-end sect competition.

The competition spanned a wide range of disciples. Winners could obtain rare pills, talismans, spirit beasts, and other coveted prizes—many of which were treasures even Helang couldn’t acquire. Naturally, he wanted Jiang Hanzheng to prepare in advance and strive for victory.

Although the competition wasn’t restricted by a disciple’s status, most top contenders were inner disciples, with only a few exceptional and diligent outer disciples reaching the final stages.

Based on Jiang Hanzheng’s natural aptitude, he would have been relegated to a servant role as a nominal disciple. However, his cultivation progress—nearing the late stage of Qi Refinement—had already surpassed most outer disciples and even alarmed some long-established inner disciples. His rapid advancement proved that the Supreme Master’s disciple selection wasn’t solely based on spiritual roots.

If Jiang Hanzheng followed the plan and broke through soon, he would join the ranks of the rare few who achieved Foundation Establishment at such a young age.

As his cultivation grew, so did his status. In a world where strength commanded respect, even those who envied his position couldn’t deny his talent and effort. Many had witnessed his journey firsthand, acknowledging his hard work despite his master’s guidance. However, jealousy blinded some, reducing his accomplishments to mere favoritism and wasted resources.

Among those threatened by Jiang Hanzheng’s rise was Liu Yihan, who once led efforts to undermine him. Now, some of Liu’s allies began to reconsider their views, grudgingly admitting, “Maybe he isn’t so incompetent after all.” This shift infuriated Liu Yihan, deepening his resentment.

Though he refrained from openly targeting Jiang Hanzheng after being ignored by the Supreme Master, Liu Yihan still regarded him as an eyesore. Determined to prove their disparity, he resolved to crush Jiang Hanzheng during the sect competition, showing him his rightful place.

After all, the one who truly belonged at the Supreme Master’s side had always been him.

—

Author’s note: I realized my collection count is quite low. Please support by following me! You can find the button in my profile!