Learning the Sword, Ying Bing Prepares to Head to the Inheritance Site

Autumn Water Pavilion.

Nightfall brought a slight chill.

Only three simple dishes were laid out on the table today—none prepared by Li Mo, but fetched from the dining hall instead.

Ying Bing held her bowl, chewing slowly.

After barely finishing half a bowl, she set down her chopsticks.

The meal today was utterly bland.

Ying Bing had never been one to fuss over food. As long as it was clean and filling, that was enough. For her, eating was merely a necessity for sustaining her current body, nothing more.

Her appetite, like all her other desires, was faint.

Well...

That had been the case before she tasted hotpot and grilled meat.

"I could have endured the darkness, had I never seen the light."

The same principle applied to food.

Now, looking at these plain dishes, Ying Bing felt a faint emptiness in her heart.

Her gaze flickered subtly toward the opposite side of the table.

The young man there was mechanically shoveling food into his mouth, his face etched with existential doubt.

Young Li Mo’s mood was, indeed, exceedingly complicated.

"Pangu’s Cataclysm Star Hammer... a divine weapon..."

When Murong Xiao had whispered to him that the disturbance might be linked to the divine weapon beneath the Divine Edge Cave, Li Mo’s expression had been priceless.

"After reaching minor mastery in swordsmanship, the Scarlet Sky Sword barely acknowledges me."

"Yet, despite never practicing hammer techniques, this divine hammer seems inexplicably drawn to me."

That hammer could practically be called the Scarlet Sky Sword’s father.

Did this mean he wasn’t cut out for the sword at all—but for the hammer instead?

His mind conjured an image of himself smirking devilishly, swinging the hammer to crush an enemy’s skull...

"Tsk..."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Li Mo slapped his chopsticks down, dispelling the mental image.

His appetite gone, he stubbornly picked up his sword and strode into the courtyard.

Grasping the Steelgreen Sword, he began practicing his forms for the first time in earnest.

The blade’s gleam flowed smoothly, the movements vigorous and sharp.

For someone his age to achieve minor mastery in an advanced sword art—any elder who saw him would praise him as a prodigy of the sword path.

"Ten days to minor mastery."

"Not entirely without talent."

Even Ying Bing found it somewhat passable.

Of course, he was still far from a true sword prodigy.

Even without her past life’s experience and insight, it would have taken her no more than half an hour to reach minor mastery in the same sword art.

Yet, in the realm of swordsmanship, there existed even more monstrous geniuses.

Those born with a Sword Heart and Sword Bones—capable of refining any sword technique with a single glance, creating peerless sword arts by age ten, and mastering divine-level sword skills to perfection by twenty.

Such individuals truly existed.

And one of them had left a deep impression on Ying Bing as a former rival.

Then there was the Great Yu’s young princess—a natural-born Sword Embryo, destined for the blade, her talent unrivaled in the current era. Far more terrifying.

Had Li Mo known her thoughts, he might have laughed bitterly.

He knew his own limits.

The years he’d spent practicing the sword exceeded his actual age.

And this was all he had to show for it.

His true aptitude was likely... utter garbage.

"I don’t feel any improvement at all."

"Not even a glimpse of the threshold to greater mastery."

As he practiced, Li Mo had to admit one thing:

This wasn’t sword training—it was just waving a sword around. There was no progress after a full session.

He didn’t even know where to direct his efforts.

The worst wasn’t a lack of effort, but not knowing where to channel it.

Could it be that he truly wasn’t meant for the sword?

"This sword art of yours emphasizes restraint over release."

A familiar, clear voice suddenly rang in his ears.

Before Li Mo could react, a slender, pale hand had already taken the Steelgreen Sword from his grip.

"The longer you accumulate power, the greater the final burst of force."

Swoosh—

"Thus, each stroke must be as precise as embroidery, controlling every ounce of strength."

Swish—

"The finer your control, the more power you can store."

Under the moonlight, the beauty’s swordplay was ethereal.

Her movements were focused, seamless, and transcendent—like an ice lotus blooming in a secluded mountain pond through the seasons.

Li Mo stared, mesmerized.

But soon, doubt crept in.

Had the ice block ever practiced Flaming Crane Thousand Feathers before?

Was her advice even accurate?

[Twenty years of martial insights successfully infused.]

Young Li Mo decided to cheat—just a little.

After all, with the sect trials approaching, improving his swordsmanship would undoubtedly come in handy.

[Year 1: Thanks to Ying Bing’s guidance, you found the correct path to practice Flaming Crane Thousand Feathers.]

[Year 5: Through relentless training, you learned to retain seventeen feather-strokes without releasing them.]

[Year 7: Progress grew harder with each step. Even the slightest improvement demanded immense effort. After two years, you saw no advancement.]

[Year 13: Through grinding perseverance, you ingrained the technique into muscle memory, retaining twenty-four feather-strokes.]

[Year 20: For the first time, you successfully imprinted thirty feather-strokes on a wooden dummy.]

[Flaming Crane Thousand Feathers Sword Art—Greater Mastery achieved.]

Li Mo: "......"

A flood of swordsmanship insights poured into his mind.

Yet, he felt no joy.

The ice block’s advice had been correct.

One thing was certain—she had never practiced this sword art. She’d simply watched him perform it once.

And then... she could instruct him?

Though he loathed the phrase, Li Mo had no choice but to admit the only words echoing in his mind were:

Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying!

Thud! Thud! Thud!—

A series of muffled cracks.

The young woman sheathed her sword and turned away. Behind her, the bamboo stalks suddenly split open, dozens of feather-like marks exploding into dazzling ice blossoms.

She didn’t even glance back, merely asking softly:

"Did you learn?"

Li Mo: "...Yes."

It was clear Ying Bing wasn’t mocking him.

She genuinely wanted him to learn—and genuinely believed he could improve after just one demonstration.

Li Mo was reminded of his past life, when he’d asked a top student for help with a math problem. Without looking up, they’d scribbled four solutions—all beyond the syllabus.

Then earnestly asked, "Got it?"

"Now you try."

The sword was tossed back to him.

With mixed emotions, Li Mo took it and began his forms.

Ying Bing’s lowered eyes reflected the young man’s slightly awkward movements. A trace of approval flickered in her gaze.

Not bad.

If he could be taught, he wasn’t hopeless. At least he had the makings of a swordsman.

"Did I get it right?"

Li Mo turned—only to find empty air behind him.

The second-floor window had already shut, a thin layer of frost rapidly spreading across the panes.

She must have returned to her cultivation.

"How many meridians has the ice block unlocked now?"

Li Mo pondered.

He’d initially thought his progress in the Blood Qi Realm was impressive.

Even a red-destined prodigy might struggle to catch up.

But tonight’s events had thoroughly humbled him.

Young Li Mo shelved his pride.

Returning to his room, he sat cross-legged on the bed.

The warm ember of the Firebird Feather Pouch against his chest radiated steady comfort.

Heartflame Lotus Technique—activate!

Tonight, he would attempt to unlock the ninth meridian!

Unnoticed, the moon climbed to its zenith.

Next door.

"The ninth meridian—success."

Ying Bing opened her eyes, the frost crystals on her lashes glimmering faintly.

From the moment she began opening her meridians until now, barely half a month had passed, yet she had already condensed nine.

In her previous life, it had taken her a full three months.

Her progress in cultivation was now several times faster.

But.

Her combat prowess had improved by more than tenfold!

At present, she could wield sword techniques at their perfected level with her current physique.

Her battle experience was unrivaled—not just in Purple Sun Prefecture, but across all the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Moreover, she bore the power of the Lunar Yin within her. Though she couldn’t yet control it fully, even the faintest wisp of its aura was enough to serve as a lethal trump card.

"The sect trials—I should be able to handle any unforeseen variables now."

"If I can obtain one of the Nine Souls of the Nine-Colored Primordial Phoenix, I’ll have achieved perfection in the Qi-Blood Realm."

"And then there’s that mysterious system..."

A glimmer of anticipation flickered in Ying Bing’s eyes.

Without a doubt, she would claim the top spot in the system rankings.

Once she did, the rewards would make her even stronger.

In the Qi-Blood Realm alone, across all the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, past or present, she dared declare herself peerless.

...

Time flowed on.

The sun rose, the moon set.

The diligent young Li Mo was already up, bustling about in the kitchen early in the morning.

"Since she gave me pointers yesterday, I’ll make today’s breakfast a bit more lavish."

"Speaking of which, breaking through to the ninth meridian with the Heart-Fire Lotus Technique has improved my control over the cooking fire too."

Li Mo stirred the dishes as he mused.

Indeed.

Last night, he had opened his ninth meridian.

They said the later meridians were harder to unlock, yet he had never encountered anything resembling a bottleneck.

Every breakthrough had come as naturally as water flowing downhill.

After preparing breakfast, he ate lightly and headed to the sect gates as usual, ready to harvest another wave of martial insights.

"True Disciple Li, here again today?"

The same elderly woman was still handling the withdrawal procedures for departing disciples.

Li Mo’s daily visits had left the old lady uneasy.

Surely he wasn’t planning to withdraw from the sect like those outer disciples?

"Just passing by," Li Mo replied with a smile, only for his expression to freeze the next instant.

He had just activated his Heavenly Destiny Eye.

[Name: Jiang Yue]

[Age: 19]

[Bone Structure: None.]

[Realm: Qi-Blood Realm, four meridians.]

[Destiny: Black]

[Evaluation: A face in the crowd, utterly unremarkable.]

[Recent Fate: While returning home from the mountain, encountered a Summoning Demon Cultist, was implanted with a Beast Seed, and died from having his essence-blood devoured.]

[Name: Duan An]

[Age: 18]

[Bone Structure: None.]

[Realm: Qi-Blood Realm, two meridians.]

[Destiny: Black]

[Evaluation: A face in the crowd, utterly unremarkable.]

[Recent Fate: While returning home from the mountain, encountered a Summoning Demon Cultist, was implanted with a Beast Seed, and died from having his essence-blood devoured.]

...

These two were no exceptions.

Li Mo swept his gaze across the crowd—a sea of black. Every departing disciple’s destiny was pitch-dark.

Every single one of them would die.

And their deaths would follow the same script.

"The Summoning Demon Cult?"

Li Mo’s brow furrowed deeply.

After a moment’s thought, he suddenly stepped in front of the group.

"Senior brothers, a moment please..."

"I’ve deposited ten thousand taels of silver at the Splendid Tower. But since joining Qingyuan Sect, I’ve resolved to focus solely on martial arts and likely won’t need it."

"Since you’re all heading home, why not enjoy yourselves there for a few days? Spend my silver for me—help me sever this worldly attachment."

...

Ten minutes later.

Li Mo had gained a mountain of pending investment returns.

A hundred and ten years’ worth of martial insights, plus assorted miscellaneous items.

Well, he’d successfully talked all those homebound disciples into heading to the Splendid Tower.

The Splendid Tower was the liveliest pleasure house in Purple Sun Prefecture’s capital, frequented by nobles and officials. A single night there cost at least thirty taels.

Naturally, it was also a safe place.

The moment they heard they could eat, drink, and revel for free, the group was overjoyed.

Such generosity!

They were practically ready to call Li Mo their sworn father on the spot!

Judging by their enthusiasm, they wouldn’t be leaving until they’d thoroughly indulged.

"The Summoning Demon Cult... doesn’t seem to be one of Purple Sun Prefecture’s three major sects."

"Doesn’t sound like a proper orthodox faction..."

Li Mo withdrew his gaze and headed for the Divine Edge Cave.

This world wasn’t governed by laws.

Overthinking was pointless—only true strength mattered.

...

Three days passed in a blink.

Autumn Water Pavilion.

"Looks like ten meridians is the limit for now."

Li Mo rose, rubbing his numb thighs after a night of motionless meditation, and opened a bundle nearby.

Inside were two garments—one dark as night, the other indigo-blue, both made of fine Songjiang brocade.

Young Li recognized them instantly: his mother’s handiwork.

A letter lay nestled within.

"My son, may these words find you well."

"You and little Bing’er have both become true disciples of Qingyuan Sect? Wonderful! Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!"

The handwriting was slightly erratic—clearly, his father had been too excited to hold the brush steady.

Li Mo chuckled wryly and read on.

"Now that you’re a true disciple and training in martial arts, it’s time to mature. Rein in that reckless streak of yours—no more of your old mischief."

"A real man should settle down before pursuing greatness. It’s time you considered marriage."

"And treat Bing’er especially well. You’ve known each other since childhood, and now you’re both true disciples in the same sect. Such fortune is heaven-sent."

"Strike while the iron is hot! Open your eyes and seize this opportunity!!!"

His father’s urgency was palpable—the last strokes nearly tore through the paper.

The man was practically demanding a grandchild by next year.

Li Mo: "..."

Can anyone relate? Harassed about grandchildren at twenty-six in my past life.

Now sixteen in this one, and still not spared the marriage pressure.

Well, in Great Yu, men marrying at sixteen wasn’t uncommon.

"Is this really my fault...?"

Li Mo rubbed his temples.

He couldn’t begin to imagine the ice block that was Ying Bing as a doting wife.

Just picturing the two of them sharing a bedroll made him shiver.

"Guess I’ll have to disappoint the old man."

Shaking his head, Li Mo changed clothes.

In just half a month, the boy in the mirror had grown more defined features, his sunny handsomeness even more striking.

His once-lanky frame now boasted lean muscle—the very picture of "slender clothed, sculpted unclothed."

Dressed in his mother’s tailored martial attire, he cut the image of a dashing young hero.

...If one ignored the embroidered lovebirds on the fabric.

"Ying Bing, my mother made you new clothes."

Li Mo knocked on the neighboring door, arms full.

The humid rainy season had left the door frozen stiff—his knocks rang out like hammer strikes.

"Leave them outside."

A voice colder than ice chimed from within.

Li Mo nodded and went to warm breakfast.

Soon after.

Footsteps descended the stairs.

Li Mo turned instinctively, the bun in his mouth slipping out unnoticed.

Her jade-like features glowed in the dawn light, a high ponytail swaying behind her.

The fitted garments accentuated her graceful figure.

Her legs weren't just long—they were practically longer than fate itself, and the sheer black gauze traced their contours with unmistakable clarity.

Black... stockings?

Li Mo quickly realized it was likely a material called "Dark Cloud Gauze"—lightweight yet durable, resistant to both extreme cold and scorching heat.

Not to mention exorbitantly expensive. Such protective gear cost far more than weapons.

Whoever invented this thing was an absolute genius.

"I'll wait for you at Moonview Cliff for one hour."

"Try to make it."

Ying Bing's words came out of nowhere.

"Moonview Cliff? Why?"

Li Mo had no idea why she'd suddenly dropped that line.

The ice block of a girl clearly had no intention of explaining.

Curious, Li Mo activated his Heaven's Mandate Divine Eye.

[Name: Ying Bing]

[Age: 16]

[Constitution: Lunar Phoenix Body of Supreme Yin]

[Cultivation Realm: Ten Meridians of the Blood Qi Stage]

[Fate: Crimson (Bears Emperor's Bone, with Profound Ice as her destiny and Autumn Waters as her spirit. Possesses the bearing of a Celestial Phoenix)]

[Evaluation: A life fraught with tribulations, yet she always emerges unscathed. Though her wings are still tender, when the winds of change arrive, she will soar above the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, a Phoenix reigning over all realms.]

[Recent Circumstance: Participating in a sect trial, intending to visit the legacy grounds of the Nine-Colored Primordial Phoenix to obtain one of its nine spirits—the "Aurora Soul." To repay a favor, she plans to bring along a certain "burden."]