The Transmigrator's Cultivation

Chapter 131 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 131: Sword Cave

Translator: Lynn

In the cave, Master Qiu He was engrossed in tending to the flowers and plants, gently tending to their needs. Sensing the presence of newcomers, he straightened and greeted them with a smile, “Yun’er, Ziqing, what brings you here today?”

The passage of a mere ten days might not mean much, but frequent visits typically serve a purpose.

Both Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing responded in unison, “We have come to meet Master.”

Master Qiu He stood upright, his focus now on his apprentices. The playfulness with flowers faded as he ushered them into the room, indicating seats for them. He cast an approving gaze at Yun Lie before turning to Xu Ziqing, his expression touched with surprise, “Ziqing, weren’t you only in the early stages of foundation establishment not long ago? And now you’ve made a breakthrough?”

The recent suppressed embarrassment surged within Xu Ziqing, who cleared his throat softly, his voice modest, “It was a fortunate turn of events for this disciple.”

Seeing his demeanor, Master Qiu He chose not to delve further. Instead, he shifted his attention to his other disciple, saying, “Yun’er, weren’t you responsible for looking after your younger brother?”

Yun Lie nodded, affirming, “This disciple supervision was inadequate.”

Xu Ziqing hastened to add, “It’s not the elder brother’s fault. The disciple’s carelessness led to provoking the Buddha Heart Tree’s anger, and subsequently, the peak was engulfed by resentment. It was in the course of resisting…”

Mutual protective instincts between the brothers were only natural. Master Qiu He, however, couldn’t help but frown upon hearing Xu Ziqing’s explanation, his concerns showing, “The resentment from the Buddha Heart Tree is particularly potent. Yun’er should have warned you.”

Xu Ziqing blushed, “Shixiong did advise me against wandering, but…” His voice dropped, “I didn’t think, and shixiong probably didn’t anticipate me being so reckless…”

Master Qiu He chuckled, a sigh woven within. He wasn’t an excessively strict mentor. From his standpoint, Yun Lie bore a portion of the responsibility for not stressing this point enough, while Xu Ziqing faltered in his vigilance. Yet, considering Xu Ziqing’s current fortuity – a breakthrough into the middle stage of foundation establishment – he conceded.

After a brief contemplation, he shook his head, delivering earnestly, “The path of cultivating immortality is fraught with danger and challenges. These words should echo not only in your ears but also within your hearts. In the times ahead, you’ll face even graver and more perilous trials. To surmount them, maintaining your determination is essential; and when confronting insurmountable dangers, knowing how to advance or retreat becomes crucial.”

These were words drawn from his experiences, both as a narrative and as counsel. The disciples nodded in unison, affirming, “We heed our teacher’s wisdom.”

Thus concluded this conversation.

Afterward, Master Qiu He added, “Yun’er and Ziqing, if you have any matters to discuss, let’s address them first.” Xu Ziqing turned to look at Yun Lie; his presence alongside his senior brother implied there was something important at hand.

Yun Lie spoke up, “I intend to guide my shidi into the Sword Cave. I’ve come to seek your guidance on this matter, Master.”

Realizing Yun Lie’s intentions, Master Qiu He questioned, “Given that Ziqing has recently broken through to the early stage of foundation establishment, are you certain it’s wise to take him there?”

Yun Lie assured, “We’ll only venture into the first level.”

Master Qiu He pondered briefly, then smiled, “Very well, I trust your judgment with Ziqing. He’s under your care now, so do your best in guiding him.”

Yun Lie acknowledged, “Certainly.”

Confused during their conversation, Xu Ziqing asked once they finished, “Senior brother, you want to take me to Sword Cave, where is that?”

As he contemplated, a sense of familiarity emerged regarding this place.

Master Qiu He replied with a smile, “Your Da Shixiong used to dedicate himself to sword practice there. Now, he wishes to bring you along. Don’t let him down.” Witnessing Yun Lie’s attentiveness toward his junior, Qiu He, as their master, felt genuinely pleased.

Xu Ziqing recalled hearing his master talk about his brother’s rigorous training when he first became an apprentice. Yun Lie had spent twenty or thirty years practicing in the Sword Cave. Such dedication must have given rise to his skilled senior.

Reflecting on this, a sense of determination welled within Xu Ziqing, “I will certainly put in my best effort.”

The three—master and apprentices—engaged in conversation for a while, likely involving Xu Ziqing sharing his recent training with Master Qiu He. The latter patted Xu Ziqing affectionately and nodded, their camaraderie evident.

Initially arriving late, their talk extended into the day. As daylight waned, Master Qiu He even shared a meal with them. Reluctantly, he bid his disciples farewell as they departed.

After a while, Master Qiu He returned to his cave, hands clasped behind his back, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

Ultimately, he couldn’t shake the feeling of reluctance. So gifted, respectful to his mentors, but hindered by clashing attributes that prevented his personal guidance…

Xiaolu Peak.

Accompanying Yun Lie, Xu Ziqing inquired, “Yun Shixiong, when are we heading to Sword Cave?”

Yun Lie responded, “Once we make some slight preparations, we can leave.”

In agreement, Xu Ziqing nodded, “Yes, Yun Shixiong.”

In truth, he didn’t require much preparation; all his possessions were stored within his finger storage ring. However, he anticipated his senior brother’s potential needs. Thus, he returned to the cave beforehand. He summoned Yan Shuang and Chonghua to convey a few instructions before awaiting Yun Lie’s call.

After some time, Yun Lie appeared at the cave entrance, and Xu Ziqing promptly emerged to join him.

Without delay, they set forth. Xu Ziqing didn’t press for further details, merely following Yun Lie’s lead.

Swiftly, they reached a towering cliff. Multiple caves, varying in size, were carved into the rock cliff’s surface. Arranged along a serpentine mountain path, they formed several tiers.

Atop the cliff, the word “sword” was inscribed on a grand scale. The very sight seemed to emanate boundless sword intent, captivating and profoundly stirring.

As Xu Ziqing gazed upward, it felt akin to encountering an infinite spring rain, delicate and enveloping. In that moment, he seemed to enter a trance, as vitality surged towards him. Yet, this vitality bore a lurking murderous intent—gentle yet razor-sharp.

Caught in his reverie, Xu Ziqing was jolted when a hand landed on his shoulder. He quickly turned to find Yun Lie beside him.

“Yun Shixiong, I…” His voice trailed off as he hesitated.

Yun Lie reassured him, “You haven’t been practicing swordsmanship for a brief period. The sword’s intent simply caught your attention.”

Agreeing, Xu Ziqing nodded and directed his gaze back to the “sword” inscription, a lingering unease still within him. “It’s remarkably potent!” He realized that, had Yun Lie not intervened promptly, a strand of sword intent might have infiltrated his sea of consciousness, causing intense agony even without physical injury.

Yun Lie’s affirmation came, “However, those who come here are here precisely to refine their swordsmanship. They must undergo rigorous tempering.”

Drawing a deep breath, Xu Ziqing remarked, “I understand.” Essentially, upon reaching the sword cliff and the exterior of the Sword Cave, their training had already begun.

Inwardly, Xu Ziqing heightened the challenge of this journey by a few degrees. He followed Yun Lie’s lead, descending to the base of the sword cliff.

Following the same path as other Sword Cave visitors, they commenced their ascent from the initial step of the winding mountain trail, meticulously placing one foot after the other as they gradually ascended.

Observing the multitude of individuals bearing long swords on their backs, each person’s determination etched onto their faces, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but sense the reverence they exuded. As they climbed the earthen steps, their strides were reverential, devoid of any arrogance. This place was clearly the coveted sanctuary for sword practitioners.

Drawing insight from their peers, Xu Ziqing’s emotional landscape gradually transformed into a contemplative serenity. All his sentiments were relegated to the depths of his heart, leaving him with an unusually composed and resolute spirit.

With every step he took, his mental state evolved, attaining a deeper level of tranquility. Slowly, Xu Ziqing became ensconced in this unique state of being, only surfacing from it when he stepped onto the final step.

Gazing up at him, Yun Lie announced, “Welcome to Xinxin Terrace.”

These steps, seemingly composed of earth, had actually been traversed by countless sword cultivators of the Wuling Immortal Sect. Rooted in sincerity, their footfalls had gradually forged this extended mountain pathway. In total, there were ninety-nine steps.

For novices ascending for the first time, this climb served to cleanse their inner impurities, refining their sword heart and fortifying their spirit before they entered the Sword Cave. Rather than ascending like mere physical actions, it appeared to recalibrate their hearts, invoking the same innocence and eagerness they held when they first embarked on the path of swordsmanship. The process toughened their resolve and honed their mental states.

Listening to this, Xu Ziqing felt a surge of admiration.

At the end of the earthen steps stood a series of smaller sword cavities, each accommodating three to five individuals. They were aligned in rows of seven or eight.

Standing before the Sword Cave were monks in azure robes, each carrying a long sword on their back. Cross-legged, they sat at the entrance with solemn expressions.

Yun Lie introduced, “These are the Cavekeepers.”

Entrusted with guarding the entrance to the Sword Cave, these individuals were all sword cultivators. Their role encompassed maintaining order and enduring the elemental wind emanating from the cave’s depths, a tempering practice for their physical bodies. Once Yun Lie had briefed Xu Ziqing on the specifics, he continued, “The Sect’s Grand Competition is rapidly approaching, and Jile Peak won’t stand idly by. You must refine the ‘Four Seasons Sword Art’.”

Inquiring with a quiver in his voice, Xu Ziqing asked, “And those four individuals… are they indeed guilty?”

With a subtle nod, Yun Lie confirmed, “Before the Grand Competition, those four will seal their true energy and meditate within a water prison.”

Incredulously, Xu Ziqing queried, “When is the Sect’s Grand Competition… How long until then?”

Yun Lie responded, “It’s still a few months away, but you need to emerge from the Sword Cave before then.”

Xu Ziqing lapsed into contemplative silence. The timeframe was relatively brief… Eventually, he nodded resolutely, stating, “I won’t disappoint you, Shixiong.”

The decision made, the two brothers exchanged no unnecessary words and headed toward a sword cavity.

At the entrance of Sword Cave, the cross-legged cultivator glanced up and inquired, “Which peak’s disciple?”

Yun Lie remained silent, and Xu Ziqing answered, “Xiaozhu Peak’s Xu Ziqing.”

The sword cultivator swiftly made a notation in a booklet and gestured, “Enter.”

Expressing gratitude, Xu Ziqing took a step back and said, “Thank you.” Then, he turned to Yun Lie, “Yun Shixiong, I’m going in.”

Yun Lie nodded, turning and ascending to a higher tier.

Given their differing cultivation levels, even if they both entered the Sword Cave, they wouldn’t be on the same level.

Drawing a deep breath, Xu Ziqing stepped into the Sword Cave.

This marked their first complete separation since meeting their senior brother.

The labyrinthine passages of the Sword Cave had been traversed many times, but this instance was unique—it was a solo journey…

Translator’s Notes:

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