Chapter 28: The Dramatic Chu Xuan—Fellow Daoist, I Want You to Help Me Cultivate

“I didn’t expect that, Fellow Daoist Tianling, not only are your swordsmanship talents unmatched, but your insight into matters is also so profound…” Ling Tian’s body froze, his eyes narrowed, and the sword aura within him erupted. In an instant, he was before Chu Xuan, his finger poised like a sword against her throat.

“Who are you? How do you know my identity?” Ling Tian stared coldly at Chu Xuan, whose expression remained calm, even tinged with delight, and questioned her in a chilly voice.

He recalled how Luo Qingqiu had once hinted that, had he not inadvertently revealed a hint of sword intent, she would never have suspected he possessed such a gift. Yet now, Chu Xuan clearly knew who he was. It was hard not to suspect that she had other motives for bringing him here. It seemed her choosing him was no coincidence.

With these thoughts, Ling Tian’s finger pressed forward a fraction more. If she harbored any ill intent, he would show no mercy.

The highest realm of swordsmanship is to wield all things as swords; to use one’s finger as a blade is not strange.

“So this is the highest realm of the sword?” Chu Xuan, far from frightened, looked at him with deep interest. She reached out and touched his finger.

A hiss—she did not use her cultivation to defend herself, and her finger was easily cut. Crimson blood welled up against her pale fingertip, strikingly vivid.

Ling Tian frowned, bewildered by her actions, unsure of her intentions.

“As you have surmised, I am the Fourth Saintess of Frostpure Sect, Chu Xuan. As for how I discovered you, I was born with a Sword Heart and am extremely sensitive to sword intent.” As she spoke, Chu Xuan drew out a sword-shaped jade pendant from her neck, previously hidden beneath her robes, and presented it to Ling Tian. It radiated a dazzling brilliance, seeming otherworldly.

“This is the external manifestation of the Sword Heart, which allows me to seek others.” Chu Xuan made no effort to hide the truth, recognizing Ling Tian’s vigilance and knowing that without explanation, he would not converse with her properly.

Ling Tian gazed at the jade in her hand, feeling the sword aura within it, exactly as she described. He was indeed surprised—a natural Sword Heart is exceedingly rare, and to externalize it as she had showed extraordinary talent.

The manifestation of the Sword Heart is a feat only achieved by a select few. Once externalized, it can be wielded as half the power of the original Sword Heart, and possesses other mystical abilities as well.

Considering this, Ling Tian withdrew his finger, conceding the logic and evidence in her words.

“So, you deliberately sought me out?” Ling Tian seated himself in a chair.

“Yes.” Chu Xuan poured him a cup of tea and set it before him.

“Why?”

“I admire you. I wish for you to help me overcome the Tribulation of Love.” Chu Xuan sat opposite him, her expression fervent and sincere as she spoke her desire.

Ling Tian’s lips twitched. So he had attracted a little admirer.

“If you know who I am, do you not know my age?” he asked.

“Of course. Three years ago, you dueled the Sword Pavilion Master at about two years old, so you should now be five.” Chu Xuan counted on her fingers, clearly stating his age.

“Don’t you find anything odd about that?” Ling Tian’s expression darkened, prompting her again.

He was five, truly four in actual years. Asking him to engage in adult matters was rather forced, unless his physical development was unusually advanced and she simply ignored it.

Chu Xuan’s delicate brows furrowed. After a moment, she shook her head gravely, indicating nothing seemed strange to her.

It appeared her understanding of such matters was entirely hearsay—she knew little. She only grasped that overcoming the Tribulation of Love could foster feelings over time, but not how age factored in.

Ling Tian thought, if matters truly progressed as she intended, perhaps even this Saintess would not pursue such actions. She possessed theory, but no practical knowledge.

“Since we’ve met by fate, I’ll help you overcome your tribulation. However, I ask you for a favor as well.” Ling Tian pushed aside the absurdity in his mind, not forgetting his own purpose.

“Please, speak.” Chu Xuan’s lips curled into a slight smile as Ling Tian agreed, unable to refuse her idol.

“I wish to invite you to join my faction.”

Ling Tian, seeing her attitude, thought her joining his faction was assured. Yet she replied,

“I refuse!”

“Hm? What? What did you say?”

“I refuse!” Ling Tian stared blankly as Chu Xuan repeated herself with utmost seriousness.

Sister, is this really how you play?

Sensing Ling Tian’s displeasure, Chu Xuan waved her hand hurriedly. “I don’t mean to reject you, but rather, since your talents are so remarkable, your faction must be extraordinary. I don’t want to join only to bring shame to your name. I wish to prove my worth through my actions, so that I am truly qualified to join you.”

Ling Tian… “Saintess Chu, your talent is exceptional; you can absolutely join.” Ling Tian marveled at her peculiar reasoning. Did she truly believe his faction was so formidable? On reflection, it was full of potential, but Chu Xuan’s dramatics made things complicated.

“Please don’t make exceptions for me. I will accompany you, and when the time comes, you may judge my actions and decide if I am suited to join your faction.” Chu Xuan stood firm in her refusal, her words resolute, leaving Ling Tian somewhat frustrated.

Sister, I simply wish you to join; I have no other intentions. Having someone who admires you so much might not be as pleasant as it seems.

Chu Xuan genuinely believed his faction was powerful and he was exceptional; she felt compelled to achieve something before joining. She was overthinking it. Ling Tian merely needed her consent, nothing more.

Upon hearing Ling Tian’s understanding of the Tribulation of Love, she realized that the key was not merely to foster feelings over time, but to experience and overcome it. Thus, Chu Xuan wished to stay by Ling Tian’s side, seeking enlightenment.

“Saintess Chu, it’s getting late. I’ll take my leave. Since you are so determined, join us on our journey tomorrow…” Ling Tian relented; if she wished to prove herself, let her do so. Having an extra hand might be useful. When the time comes and he declares she is fit for his faction, surely she will not object again?

He rose to leave, but Chu Xuan caught his hand, her gaze lowered as her cool voice sounded again,

“Fellow Daoist Tianling, I wish for you to assist me in cultivation…”