Chapter 10: I Really Am a Natural Prodigy

"Our Zaozao is truly the most gifted cultivator." Jiang Zhuoran offered her praise generously.

Her comprehension was genuinely terrifying; from the beginning until now, she had never heard of a cultivator who could draw spiritual energy into their body in just three days. Drawing energy into the body was not difficult, but it was an extreme test of one's aptitude. Those with poor comprehension could spend their entire lives without ever taking this first step. Of course, this excluded the well-connected individuals carefully nurtured by noble families and sects.

"That's for sure." Jiang Zao let go of her, looking smug. Her haughty expression reminded Jiang Zhuoran of a white cat she had raised in her childhood; the demeanor was exactly the same.

[Why is cultivating immortality as easy as drinking water? It’s really not difficult at all.]
[This little path to immortality—it’s easily within my grasp.]
[Heh, I really am a prodigy, a true genius of cultivation.]

Jiang Zhuoran, who had just been about to shower her with more praise, instantly extinguished the thought upon hearing her narcissistic inner monologue. There was no need for her to say anything; Jiang Zao could praise herself to the heavens without ever repeating a line.

"Now that Zaozao has officially begun her cultivation, what path do you wish to specialize in?"

"Alchemy, talismans, arrays, sword..."

"Sword cultivation!"

"I want to be a sword cultivator!"

Before Jiang Zhuoran could finish listing the paths she was familiar with, she was interrupted by Jiang Zao’s enthusiastic hand-raising. Jiang Zhuoran assumed she had influenced Jiang Zao’s choice, as Jiang Zao had always watched from the sidelines every time she practiced her swordplay, wearing an expression of pure envy.

Jiang Zhuoran wanted to tell her to follow her own inner heart and not be influenced by external factors, lest she live to regret it. However, the moment she looked into Jiang Zao's eyes, the burning fervor nearly overflowed—it was genuine excitement and anticipation. Seeing this, Jiang Zhuoran respected her decision and readily agreed: "Very well."

[Heh heh, who could refuse a sword cultivator who can fight, defend, and look cool all at the same time? I certainly can't.]
[When the time comes, standing tall and cold with a sword on my back, I will definitely exude the aura of a grand hero.]
[Maybe I’ll even be able to scare away enemies just by looking the part.]
[It’s a win-win situation!]

Jiang Zao thought blissfully, the corners of her mouth curling upward uncontrollably. To an outsider, she looked like a simpleton drooling over a cure. Jiang Zhuoran found it hard to look at her demonic expression and silently moved away.

*Zaozao, I never expected you to be this kind of sword cultivator.*

Jiang Zhuoran had assumed that Jiang Zao chose the sword path because she possessed a sincere heart for punishing evil, promoting good, and defending the righteous. To think... it was all just to look cool! It was common knowledge that a sword cultivator’s blade was like a Daoist companion—something to be cherished and protected with the utmost care. So, I have to ask: Is this really how you intend to treat your sword, your Daoist companion?!

***

Jiang Zhuoran felt that her temper had been growing worse and her composure easier to break ever since she started interacting with Jiang Zao. She was truly being deeply affected by her.

[Did I forget something important?]

Jiang Zao’s thoughts shifted as she began to ponder seriously. Jiang Zhuoran, hearing her suddenly calm internal voice, felt a sense of impending doom.

[That’s it! I still don’t have a suitable sword.]

Jiang Zao’s mood brightened, her eyes becoming sharp with calculation. She looked at Jiang Zhuoran with eyes full of purpose and chuckled: "Heh heh, Sister... don't you think it's a bit inappropriate for a sword cultivator to be without a sword?"

As a sword cultivator-in-training, how could she be without the most important tool? It was the soul of her future ability to look cool; she couldn't afford to be sloppy.

[It’d best be a sword that lets everyone know at a glance that its master is a big shot. That’s the only way to have any face.]

*I knew it! She was bound to be up to no good!* She hadn't even officially started training yet, and she was already thinking about projecting the aura of a grand master. If she really started training, wouldn't she be puffing her chest up to the sky the moment someone gave her a compliment? Thinking about it was quite... indescribable. If it ever came to that, she would definitely be the first to distance herself from Jiang Zao.

Jiang Zhuoran took a deep breath and forced a signature smile: "Once you reach the Qi Refinement stage, I will explain the situation to Master, and then take you to the sect's Sword Mound to find a sword that suits you."

"I will reach the Qi Refinement stage as soon as possible!"

With Jiang Zhuoran’s promise, Jiang Zao felt full of motivation; everything was for the sake of meeting her beloved sword.

"Good, you must work hard, Zaozao."

"Just wait and see, Sister. Based on my talent, I’ll definitely reach Qi Refinement in two days and Foundation Establishment in three."

"This is talent. It’s not something others can envy."

It was precisely because this initial attempt at drawing energy had been too smooth that Jiang Zao mistakenly believed cultivation was as easy as drinking water—that if she just closed her eyes, her cultivation would soar. It was this false perception that fueled her mysterious confidence. Jiang Zhuoran didn't want to crush that confidence; once she truly began training, she would learn what it meant for something to be as hard as ascending to the heavens. She hoped she would still be as confident then as she was now. Jiang Zhuoran thought with a bit of dark humor, looking forward to what she would face next.

As the saying goes, to achieve greater heights, one must first cultivate one’s character and curb arrogance. Jiang Zao was clearly far too excited at the moment.

...

Two days later. In the pavilion at the highest point of Yuling Peak.

He Mobai sat cross-legged on a cushion in the center of the pavilion, dressed in grey robes. A Go board was laid out before him. Black and white stones were placed on the board by his hand, each move the result of careful consideration. A light breeze swept past, stirring his robes and ink-black hair.

***

Green mountains, a pavilion, a player of Go... From a distance, it looked like a serene and elegant landscape painting.

"Master."

Jiang Zhuoran stopped outside the pavilion and bowed respectfully. Before she could speak, her words were stifled by He Mobai’s voice.

"I am already aware of the matter regarding Jiang Zao. Do what you wish." He Mobai continued to watch the board, holding a white stone while contemplating its placement. His cold voice carried a hint of detachment, and from start to finish, he did not spare a single glance for Jiang Zhuoran outside the pavilion.

"This disciple thanks Master."

Jiang Zhuoran knelt in joyful gratitude to He Mobai, rose, and quickly left the pavilion. She had to tell Zaozao the good news. From today on, she would be able to attend lessons and cultivate alongside her.

"Zaozao!" Jiang Zhuoran pushed open the door to her bedroom in excitement.

"Sister, why is the Qi Refinement stage so hard!"

As soon as she entered, she saw Jiang Zao sprawled on the bed like a starfish, her head hanging off the edge. Her face was a mask of misery, and seeing her sister enter, she began to wail.

[It’s been two days—two whole days—and my cultivation hasn't made a single bit of progress. I’m exactly where I started.]
[This isn't how it was supposed to be!]

Jiang Zao was on the verge of becoming obsessed with her training; she was now as broken as she had been confident at the start.

"It's alright, everything is difficult at the beginning. I was the same when I first started," Jiang Zhuoran said, coming to her side to help her up, offering gentle comfort. "And I have more good news: Master has agreed that you may attend lessons with me."

"I believe that with the teachers' guidance, you will surely make a breakthrough." Jiang Zhuoran smiled, her eyes curving into crescents as she shared the news.

"Lessons?" Jiang Zao asked, confused.

[Is 'taking classes' even a thing in the cultivation world?]

Jiang Zhuoran nodded. "The teachers will impart knowledge to help us cultivate more quickly. There are different lessons scheduled for every time period each day. Almost every disciple who is free at the time goes to attend."

Having the guidance of teachers was better than stumbling about like a headless chicken, only to end up covered in injuries without any gain in strength. Furthermore, to ensure the disciples' training wasn't too dull, the Sect Leader allowed disciples from different peaks to interact with one another.

[Taking classes... how is this any different from the 'early morning to late night' schedule of high school?]
[I don't want to!]