Could it be that I am the cruel villain?
Chapter 270 - 184: The Mysterious Room_2

Chapter 270: Chapter 184: The Mysterious Room_2

Heaving deep breaths.

Originally, Senior Sister said it would be one hour, but it turned into a whole morning as the fight went on.

He thought it would be an easy task, after all, Senior Sister had belittled Bai Yu as worthless, but as soon as they crossed swords, he realized something was wrong.

This woman’s swordsmanship was exquisite, and her attacks were extremely aggressive and overriding, unlike his own fluid style, which waited for opportunities to strike; she aimed to defeat with a single sword strike, to kill with one blow.

At this moment, Bai Yu realized that at some point the hand holding the iron sword had begun to tremble slightly. Looking up at the sky, it was already midday.

Unknowingly, the two had crossed swords for nearly two hours, no wonder he felt exhausted.

Both stood up and paid respect to each other, and Liu Tangxi, who had been watching the whole morning, also appeared, first glancing at the panting Jiang Feng. Although she did not speak, he could read her expression.

Maybe it meant... you pass?

"Let’s call it a day for you two."

"Bai Yu, from now on, you will live in the side court. Take care of your own food, clothes, and shelter. Purple Cloud Palace has many rules, so in the next few days, visit the Main Peak first to memorize all the rules you need to know, then come to Swordmaster Peak."

"From now on, each month, you two will spar for ten days. The timing will be determined by Brother Jiang."

"If you manage to defeat him, or you successfully step into the Nascent Soul stage, you’ll then hang your name as a recorded disciple under Swordmaster Peak. Do you have any objections?"

He shook his head immediately.

Although it was just a slim chance, Bai Yu’s face showed her fighting spirit. She bowed politely, and despite the dark circles under her eyes, she still looked excited.

"Yes, Disciple will first make a trip to the Main Peak!"

She immediately picked up her sword and jogged down the mountain. It was clear that she hadn’t slept the entire previous night, and after the frequent exchanges today, she must have been extremely tired. However, people are such that, when they have sufficient goals and motivation, they don’t feel fatigued.

After all, she had met the person she had longed for in her dreams, and joining Purple Cloud Palace to traverse the four seas like a Sword Immortal, eliminating evil, was Bai Yu’s wish.

Watching the departing figure of the girl, Liu Tangxi’s lips curled into a smile; obviously, she recognized Bai Yu’s identity, since all those moves and postures were in the style she had used twenty years ago.

Probably the child she had saved inadvertently years ago had grown up, influenced by the past, and now wished to wield the sword across the lands, just like herself—a delightful turn of events.

"How did you get beaten to such a state by your junior sister?"

She glanced at the nearly lifeless Jiang Feng.

Someone was about to cry without tears, "Senior Sister, what kind of demon or monster is this? Didn’t you say her swordsmanship wasn’t that great? Also, she is at least at Core Formation, her physique is too different."

"I see you’ve been having quite the fun. You, too, in the next few days, go to the Main Peak and get familiar with the rules and layouts of Purple Cloud Palace."

"Hmm."

"Follow me."

She gestured to the young man with her chin.

Jiang Feng dusted the dirt off his buttocks, carrying the iron wire, but soon he thought of something and immediately looked towards the pavilion direction.

He noticed that Lin Jiangxian, that lass, was now sitting cross-legged on the bench, seemingly circulating her cultivation technique.

"Don’t worry about that child, I tweaked the cultivation technique she is practicing slightly."

"The Nine Yin Profound Darkness Art is a top-tier technique in the world, the one she learned is the incomplete version, but it is the complete version of the incomplete one. And the Purple Cloud Divine Technique you have is only partial. Do you understand the difference?"

He was startled inwardly.

According to what the two brothel ladies had taught him before, Outer Disciple of Purple Cloud Palace could only master the first part of the Purple Cloud Divine Technique. Only Inner Sect Disciples could grasp the full technique.

This method wasn’t unique to Purple Cloud Palace; in fact, most of the slightly reputable sects did the same thing. After all, Outer Disciples were too unstable, so of course, they were only given half to prevent leaks.

Moreover, the talents of Outer Disciples were mostly mediocre; even if they were given the complete technique, it wasn’t guaranteed that they could cultivate it to any extent. This was also why Outer Disciples were determined to enter the Inner Sect.

"Senior Sister, you mean to say that Lin Jiangxian previously secretly learned..."

"Yes, she might be a Core Disciple of the Xuanyin Sect."

Her tone was casual, simply walking ahead, and Jiang Feng immediately quickened his pace to follow.

"Let me first tell you about some of the rules within the Purple Cloud Palace."

"There are paths between the peaks where one can fly on a Sword Control technique. However, some areas are protected by arrays, known as no-fly zones. You must be careful; taking a wrong step could easily trigger them, resulting in punishment from the sect."

"Nine Peaks lie on the outside, while the Main Peak is at the center. Inner Sect Disciples of the Nine Peaks live directly on the mountaintops, whereas Outer Disciples reside at the foot of the Main Peak, which is essentially a small town comprised of Outer Disciples."

"Tomorrow, you will take my Token to the foot of the Main Peak to collect your Sect apparel and familiarize yourself with the place. After all, you will be spending a long time in the sect from here on."

"Don’t worry about the monthly Cultivation Resources; the Outer Disciples are responsible for distributing them as needed up to our mountain. However, one thing you do need to pay attention to."

"Cultivation Cave Mansions and caves are abundant on Swordmaster Peak, and you are free to visit them at any time, but for the Spiritual Springs and pools, you will have to compete with disciples from other peaks."

"Purple Cloud Palace does not support idlers; this should be clear in your mind. Even near the Purple Cloud Palace lurk countless sins. Remember, the sect does not support idlers."

"If you want to obtain enough cultivation resources, commission the forging of Magic Treasures, or acquire Divine Weapons, you must make sufficient contributions, otherwise, you’ll find yourself begging. Even the sect can’t bear that."

"This is why I had Yu Ying take you for an initial understanding of the power structure of the Immortal Pavilion. Within Purple Cloud Palace, the ways of society can still be applied, and the Immortal Pavilion also holds sway within the sect."

"Do you understand?"

He nodded.

But his expression was somewhat helpless because Purple Cloud Palace was somewhat different from what he had imagined. Initially, he thought that this place was dedicated to deep cultivation and seeking enlightenment.

Before he entered, he was actually full of anticipation, hoping that this was a utopia away from worldly conflicts, where one could immerse themselves in cultivation.

There might be competition and pressure within the sect, but most should be focusing on seeking the Dao, indifferent to worldly affairs.

But that was not the case.

Rather than calling it a sect, it’s more akin to a microcosm of society.

Although he had anticipated this scene, evidently he still felt a sense of disillusionment, because after all, everyone wants to sit at home, consume elixirs daily, and watch their cultivation soar.

This place is indeed a paradise that Seekers of Immortality dream of, but that’s predicated on having enough strength and contributions. It may sound unpleasant, but that’s just how society operates.

First, the sect gives you small favors, enabling you to assist with its affairs. Once the task is accomplished, the sect takes a portion of the benefits and you take another.

You can use your share to further improve your abilities and take on more tasks, while the sect uses theirs to cultivate more quality Disciples, snatching more Cultivation Resources within the Cultivation World.

It sounds fair, because getting something for nothing...

Even Cultivation novels wouldn’t have such a thing!

Not at all!

"Spells and Daoist Skills, the Immortal Pavilion has everything you might need. You may go down the mountain to accumulate merits, and then come back to exchange them for treasures. But that’s all up to you."

"As you know, I’m not particularly interested in those things. As for Spirit Stones, you don’t have to worry. I’ve got plenty on hand."

"Of course, you’ll have to exchange something for them."

Hearing this, the young man couldn’t help being curious. His senior sister actually needed him to trade something?

What do I have that could be valued... Oh!

"I understand now, senior sister. After I go down the mountain, I will find more quality ingredients for you!"

Jiang Feng was indeed sensible.

She nodded in approval. Unknowingly, the two had reached a mysterious wooden hut. She gently placed her palm on the door, then turned to look at Jiang Feng.

"Haven’t you always been curious about the daily work of us Swordmaster Peak disciples?"

"Uh... yes."

Creak—

The door swung open.

A strong scent of ink assaulted him, nearly choking him to death!