Now that she had no family left and her one beloved, Gu Yuan, was already spoken for—and he was stronger and more handsome than she—she believed that he would be well cared for with Fang Qing.With that thought resolved, she found a new goal: she would grow strong! She would seek immortality!This was the choice she made after much reflection. In this world of spiritual qi, cultivators, and beasts, mortals meant weakness. She hoped to become a cultivator herself, the true protagonist of this world. Not for any grand reason, but simply so she would never again suffer such humiliation.Back then, after her father’s disappearance lasted several days, she was targeted by the Tingxia Pavilion. That day, their men abducted her and threw her into a dungeon. Because of her beauty, her captors intended evil. Just as she feared losing her purity, the youth burst in and slew the man about to violate her.To him, it had been a small matter. But to her, it decided the course of her life. Without him, she would have lost her innocence and had no reason to live. Even if she concealed it, her future would have been hopeless. But he had saved her. In her heart, his image took root.…Shaking off the lingering traces of that affection, Jiang Mo Nian looked at Fang Qing and Gu Yuan and said earnestly, “Hello. My name is Jiang Mo Nian.”As she spoke, the last vestiges of romantic longing faded, replaced by a firm, growing resolve to pursue the Dao. In this silent, one-sided contest of love, she chose to withdraw. From now on, she would devote all her energy to cultivation and her own aspirations.Having settled her heart, Gu Yuan, standing opposite her, spoke: “We would like to spar with you. Would you be willing?”Jiang Mo Nian was surprised. Fang Qing and Gu Yuan had reputations and strength—why would they seek to spar with her? Even so, she agreed. “I accept.”Gu Yuan would not harm her.“All right, pay attention.”He drew the Xuanlan sword from his ring. Fang Qing stepped back to watch from a short distance. Gu Yuan swung Xuanlan casually toward the ground beside Jiang Mo Nian. The jet-black blade glowed with pale blue light and mist, and under Gu Yuan’s strength it cleaved the earth.Because the strike was so fast, Jiang Mo Nian reacted only at the last moment, leaping clear of the blade’s path. The greatsword split the hardened soil, sending clods flying two meters in all directions.As dust settled, Gu Yuan asked, “Did you see it clearly?”Recalling the scene, Jiang Mo Nian shook her head. “No. It was too fast.”Gu Yuan nodded. “Remember this: in combat, you must strike with that speed, and with suddenness. If victory requires it, no tactic is too underhanded.”Though she had set aside her feelings, Gu Yuan remained special in her mind. She listened intently and committed his words to memory. She now understood that this sparring session was meant as a lesson—guidance she would cherish.“I’ll remember.”Encouraged, Gu Yuan continued. “I believe water is the basis of all things. Everything depends on water. Water can stand in for fire, for wind—it can be anything. Water may be boiling, not only cold; it can seep like wind, not only gentle but also fierce. With this in mind, I think water can embody all things.”He spoke at length, and Jiang Mo Nian recorded every word—even where she did not fully grasp his meaning, she wrote it down. Fang Qing also listened quietly, storing the insights for her own techniques. Such ideas could expand one’s thinking and aid in creating new cultivation methods.“All right, I have nothing more to say.” Gu Yuan looked to Fang Qing, signaling her turn.Fang Qing nodded and stepped forward to Jiang Mo Nian. “I don’t understand spiritual qi, but I can share some whip techniques. Would you like that?”“Of course.” Jiang Mo Nian did not hesitate.“Very well. Listen closely. First, you must build a solid foundation. Your grip on the whip is unsteady; you lack familiarity and confidence. When you wield the whip, do you truly trust it? And whip techniques need not follow the book rigidly. You can adjust postures and methods in small ways to find the template that suits you best.“Also, you can modify this whip to extend and retract at will. A short whip is fierce, a long whip is quick and nimble. Combining both makes for a versatile fighting style.”Fang Qing’s guidance was extensive, focused on martial practice. As one trained in close combat since childhood, her advice suited her perfectly. Though direct engagement may seem crude in the cultivation world, close-quarters skill has undeniable advantages—when enemies close in, those with «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» refined melee techniques will prevail. Jiang Mo Nian absorbed every word, eager to practice.“That’s all I have to say. We’ll take our leave now.” Gu Yuan announced, closing the impromptu lesson.“Goodbye, Sister Qing and Brother Gu.” Jiang Mo Nian bowed sincerely. Any earlier jealousy or resentment toward Fang Qing had vanished—both had shown her genuine care. Few cultivators would share their insights, especially with a stranger. She was deeply grateful.Watching their departing figures, Jiang Mo Nian silently encouraged herself: I must work hard and not disappoint Sister Qing and Brother Gu’s expectations!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.