Immortality begins with the Swordsman.

Chapter 15 Genius

"Clap clap clap!"

Su Qingxue returned at some point, clapping her hands as she chuckled, "Junior Nephew Changfeng, what you just said was truly thought-provoking."

Gu Changfeng raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, "Why is that old hag back again?"

What I said just now was not intended to criticize Feng Buping.

Undeniably, Feng Buping is a genius. How could someone who can create his own martial arts be mediocre?

pity!

Geniuses are worthless in the face of cheaters.

Gu Changfeng gently twirled the black and white Bodhi seed bracelet between his fingers. Upon closer inspection, the ninth Bodhi seed was now almost completely black.

He estimated that his current strength was no less than that of Ning Zhongze in the original story. In a few more days, once he had mastered the Zixia Divine Skill, he would be able to reach the level of the "organic version" Yue Buqun.

Although Feng Buping was strong, he could only barely reach the "near-first-class" level.

The fight just now, though seemingly thrilling, actually only used 70% of his strength.

Those words were mainly addressed to all the Qi Sect disciples present—intended to express their aspirations.

The difference between "heavy sword" and "heavy qi" is simply a matter of how much time one should spend practicing swordsmanship or qi cultivation.

Qi Sect disciples spend most of their time cultivating internal energy, but internal energy can only be improved through arduous practice, progressing only slightly each day. In contrast, swordsmanship is a matter of skill, which can be mastered through diligent practice.

Therefore, the Qi Sect disciples were at a disadvantage when facing the Sword Sect disciples.

The Qi Sect disciples were neglecting their swordsmanship in the early stages, so naturally they couldn't defeat the Sword Sect disciples.

After losing too many times, even if one remains defiant verbally, one's inner convictions inevitably waver.

At this moment, most people would think: If I spend an extra hour practicing swordsmanship every day, my swordsmanship will improve and my internal strength will not fall behind, and I will be able to defeat the disciples of the Sword Sect.

But the result is often that: the swordsmanship is not mastered and the internal strength is also neglected.

Because cultivating internal strength depends mainly on one's mindset, once distracting thoughts arise, it becomes difficult to make further progress in internal strength cultivation.

When Gu Changfeng encountered such Qi Sect disciples, he would always unleash a "bloody disaster" upon them, beating them while simultaneously educating them.

Today's incident of injustice serves as another wake-up call.

If you listen, great; if you don't? Heh, then I'll beat you until you listen.

Regarding the "battle of sword energy," Gu Changfeng had already reached a conclusion in his heart:

No matter how exquisite your "Nine Swords of Dugu" are, and how well it can break all martial arts in the world, I will cut down with a forty-meter-long broadsword and see how you break it.

He always believed that "focusing on qi" was the key to success, but he never denied the path of the Sword Sect.

In his eyes, there were many people within the Sword Sect who were pleasing to the eye, such as Cai Ling Shuang…

However, one's perspective is determined by their position.

If one day the two factions were to clash, he would show no mercy, even resorting to drugs, poisons, or any other means necessary. This is precisely why he has never changed his ways despite repeated admonitions.

Su Qingxue chuckled, "Junior Nephew Changfeng, you're increasingly displaying the demeanor of a sect leader. How about we persuade Senior Brother Yue to pass the sect leadership to you once he emerges from seclusion?"

Gu Changfeng didn't reply, but instead asked, "Uncle Su, why are you back again?"

Su Qingxue tilted her head and said, "I just went back and thought about it. You always like to keep things to yourself. There's probably still a lot about 'Huashan Numbers' that you haven't told me. That's why I came back to ask you for advice."

As she spoke, she put on a pitiful look: "You're not still hiding something, are you?"

Gu Changfeng felt a headache coming on.

This Martial Aunt Su is the junior sister of his master, Daoist Zixiao, and is deeply trusted by him; otherwise, she would not have been put in charge of the Qi Sect's finances.

But Su Qingxue is over forty years old, extremely beautiful, yet still unmarried. She spends all her time either practicing swordsmanship or reviewing accounts, and seems like a psychopath no matter how you look at it.

Gu Changfeng pondered for a moment and said, "There's only one simple 'four arithmetic operations' that I haven't covered. If you're interested, I can teach you."

"Four arithmetic operations? I knew you were hiding something, you little rascal." Su Qingxue laughed and scolded, then turned and called out, "Come and listen, all of you! Don't think this is just our accounting stuff. If you learn it well, you'll need it in the future too."

Upon hearing this, all the disciples obediently gathered around, waiting quietly for Gu Changfeng to begin the lesson.

Gu Changfeng coughed a few times and said, "Then let's start with addition..."

This conversation lasted for several days.

It didn't end until the day before Su Qingxue was to leave for Chang'an.

The day before departure.

Gu Changfeng, accompanied by Ning Zhongze, carried baskets of wine and dishes and went up to the Cliff of Contemplation.

The Cliff of Contemplation is barren, with only withered rocks scattered about. Apart from an empty cave, it is completely free of debris, making it an ideal place for secluded meditation.

Inside the cave, Daoist Zixiao was meditating and cultivating.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the cliff, followed by Ning Zhongze's voice: "Master, Master, my second senior brother and I have come to see you!"

Master Zixiao was overjoyed and left the cave.

Then Gu Changfeng arrived, carrying a food basket in one hand and Ning Zhongze in the other, moving like a swallow on the wind.

As soon as she arrived, Ning Zhongze jumped down from his arms, her face beaming with joy: "Master, Master, I missed you so much!"

Master Zixiao smiled and patted her head: "Your second senior brother hasn't been bullying you these past few days, has he?"

"No!" Ning Zhongze replied, blushing. "My second senior brother is... very good to me..."

She had half a sentence left unsaid: it was a bit too good for them.

Gu Changfeng opened the food basket, took out four small dishes, and then placed three sets of bowls and chopsticks neatly on the stone.

Master Zixiao was taken aback: "Three sets of bowls and chopsticks?"

Ning Zhongze laughed and said, "We'll eat with you. Second Senior Brother was worried that you wouldn't enjoy the food alone, so he brought Master a pot of 'Zhexianlou' wine."

Master Zixiao laughed and said, "You're the only one who understands me well..."

Immediately.

The three of them, master and disciples, sat around the large rock and began to eat.

During the meal, Gu Changfeng recounted his recent actions in detail.

When Zixiao Daoist heard that Gu Changfeng was going to Chang'an with Su Qingxue, he smiled and said, "It seems that your Martial Aunt Su approves of you. This time, she is taking you to Chang'an not only to help you, but also to broaden your horizons."

Gu Changfeng nodded and smiled, "This trip to Chang'an is a good opportunity to visit my senior brother. He should have finished the provincial examination and is probably waiting for the results to be released."

Master Zixiao said, "He promised me that if he fails the exam again this time, he will give up his ambition for an official career. I estimate that he will not pass. When you see him, persuade him to come back and focus on practicing swordsmanship and doing his job."

This sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? Isn't it just like what people say in later generations?

If you don't get into university, go home and inherit the family business.

Gu Changfeng smiled and said, "Okay!"

After a hearty meal and drinks.

Master Zixiao began to test the two's martial arts skills.

Ning Zhongze has already mastered most of the basic sword techniques of Mount Hua this month.

At first, Master Zixiao thought that Gu Changfeng was teaching too fast, but after seeing Ning Zhongze demonstrate her skills, he realized that his little disciple was also a little genius.

Of course, he is still slightly inferior to Gu Changfeng.

Sword techniques can be learned in one viewing, and internal energy cultivation can progress by leaps and bounds.

He had never seen such a monstrous talent in his life; even Feng Qingyang was far inferior to him.

Therefore, he was not surprised that Feng Buping lost to this kid.

What he's worried about now is that if he doesn't work harder, he might really be surpassed by this wicked disciple in a few years.

So he tentatively asked, "Changfeng, how's your Zixia Divine Skill progressing?"

Gu Changfeng frowned slightly and said, "The Purple Cloud Divine Skill is too difficult to practice. I've encountered another problem."

Master Zixiao said smugly, "Cultivating the Zixia Divine Skill requires a calm and peaceful mind; one must not be hasty. Tell me about the difficulties you have encountered, and I will answer them for you."

"good!"

Gu Changfeng nodded and began to circulate the Purple Cloud Divine Skill.

The next instant, a purple aura appeared on his face...

Master Zixiao: ? ? ?

He stared blankly for a moment, his eyes wide, and the wine jug in his hand clattered to the ground.

You bastard!

Is this what you mean by "too difficult to practice"?

How long has it been? Just one month? And you've already achieved mastery in your cultivation?!