Chapter 35: A Matter of Importance in the Eyes of the Junior Brother

A gust of wind blew by, stirring up a few fallen leaves. Lin Fei looked up, a flicker of shock passing through his eyes, accompanied by a sudden clarity. The various details he hadn’t been able to piece together before finally connected in this moment, opening his vision wide.

No matter how exalted the sect leader’s cultivation or how formidable his strength, there would come a day when he would depart. Whether by ascending to immortality or by the end of his lifespan leading to reincarnation, for some, it all meant leaving.

Judging by the urgency in those people’s actions, that day might not be far off.

Thus, a crucial question surfaced in Lin Fei’s mind.

“Is the position of the Sword Sect’s leader really that important?”

Yan Qiu pondered for a moment, then gently shook his head, his voice tinged with uncertainty: “I can’t say for sure.”

Lin Fei’s right index finger tapped lightly on the bamboo chair unconsciously, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “No wonder they say the higher one’s talent, the more likely they are to face death. In such sensitive times, some might see me as the key to breaking the balance. If I were to be taken in as the leader’s last disciple, then years, even decades later, I could become a formidable opponent. For them, that kind of uncertainty must be eliminated early.”

The youth sighed, a hint of disdain in his tone. “For the sake of the leader’s seat, they engage in these undercurrents of political intrigue—it’s truly tedious.”

Yan Qiu smiled slightly, his tone calm. “But little junior brother, you ultimately chose to come here. Perhaps this is fate.”

Lin Fei glanced at him, surprised by Yan Qiu’s insight. With just a few words, he grasped the essence of the matter, his mind as clear as a polished mirror.

This level of perception far surpassed that of most people in the world.

Yan Qiu remained composed and suddenly posed a question: “I’m curious, if these things are mere trifles to you, then what do you consider the real big issue?”

His curiosity was thoroughly piqued.

This new junior brother’s mindset was unusually calm, seemingly indifferent even to the great matters of the Sword Sect’s inheritance.

So, what exactly did he regard as the true big issue?

“The Ancient Wilderness, the Endless Demon Domain, the Jade Pool, and… Kunlun.”

Lin Fei’s gaze drifted toward the sea of clouds on the horizon, eyes narrowed as if trying to recall something. Then he asked, “Do these places still exist now?”

“Kunlun and the Jade Pool are two of the Seven Sacred Grounds of the continent. Their foundations are even more profound and ancient than the Sword Sect’s, so they naturally still exist.”

“The Endless Demon Domain is now controlled by the Demon Emperor Bai Qi, whose power is overwhelming and poses a significant threat to the human race. As for the Ancient Wilderness…”

Lin Fei’s concern deepened as he pressed, “What about it?”

Yan Qiu answered, “The seals there have loosened somewhat, causing some unrest, but it’s not a major problem. The Academy and the Martial Emperor City have already dispatched forces to suppress it.”

“I see. So there’s still the Martial Emperor City and the Academy…” Lin Fei responded quietly, a subtle trace of contemplation in his voice.

Yan Qiu silently observed Lin Fei’s profile, saying nothing more.

The Ancient Wilderness, the Endless Demon Domain, the Seven Sacred Grounds—these names nearly encompassed the entire continent.

Yan Qiu thought to himself, no wonder little junior brother is so unruffled. Like their master, his mind already embraced the whole world.

The sun had set; twilight descended, painting the sky with a vibrant tapestry of colors, unfolding before their eyes.

One sat quietly reading beneath the starry sky, the other gazed into the distance, lost in thought.

This scene seemed utterly ordinary, yet carried a subtle strangeness.

If other disciples were accepted under the sect leader’s tutelage, they would only resent not having spent more time cultivating.

But clearly, these two felt no such urgency; instead, they seemed content with this leisurely pace.

“It seems you two truly get along well,” a figure quietly appeared beneath the waterfall.

Elder Fazhao wore a face full of smiles and a rosy complexion, his figure appearing even rounder than the last time they met.

Yan Qiu was carrying a wooden bucket from inside, preparing to water the flower sea. He nodded lightly in greeting.

Lin Fei stretched lazily in the bamboo chair and yawned, looking somewhat languid.

Fazhao asked, “How do you find it here?”

Lin Fei thought for a moment, then replied, “Quite good.”

Fazhao pulled an ancient, slender book from his bosom, no thicker than a thumb, and handed it to Lin Fei. “When you have leisure, practice some swordsmanship. Think of it as training your body.”

Lin Fei took the sword manual, his gaze lingering on the name on the cover before he softly said, “I thought you came to urge me to train.”

Fazhao didn’t notice the subtle change in the youth’s tone and just shook his head with a smile. “Here in the Sword Sect, who other than the leader dares to push you?”

Lin Fei gently traced the book’s cover, expressionless but curious. “Is this the cultivation sword technique for the inner disciples of the Sword Sect?”

Fazhao shook his head. “This is the personal sword technique of Dongming Mountain. Each of the thirteen peaks has its own merits.”

Lin Fei softly acknowledged and placed the book on the stone table beside him, closing his eyes and nodding slightly. “Thank you.”

Fazhao stood at the cliff’s edge, watching the youth’s casual demeanor, unable to help but remind him, “Although each of the thirteen peaks has its own distinct sword techniques, this one is the most powerful.”

“Even across the entire world, none surpass it, because the leader made his name with this technique. You really should take it seriously.”

“Understood.”

Despite Fazhao’s earnest words revealing astonishing truths, Lin Fei maintained his usual calm, merely nodding lightly.

Fazhao sighed softly, knowing this youth’s temperament well—no amount of words would sway him.

Suddenly, Lin Fei opened his eyes and looked toward the bustling figure within the flower sea. “Has he always been like this?”

Fazhao followed the youth’s gaze, a smile appearing on his face. “When Yan Qiu first received the sword manual, he had the same expression as you.”

Lin Fei asked a seemingly abrupt question, “When he first climbed the mountain, how fast was he? Was he faster than me?”

“I didn’t expect you to ask such a question so soon,” Fazhao was momentarily taken aback, then a playful smile spread across his Buddha-like face. “I thought that even you wouldn’t notice so quickly.”

Seeing Fazhao’s expression, Lin Fei found his answer. “So it is.”

Fazhao said seriously, “Not just you—no one in the Sword Sect was faster than him the first time they climbed the mountain.”

Lin Fei understood the implication in Fazhao’s words.

Yan Qiu ascended without hesitation, all in one go. To put it plainly, those trials never once made him consider stopping.

Lin Fei gazed quietly at the figure in hemp garments below and whispered, “That’s somewhat terrifying.”

Fazhao looked toward the flower sea and sighed. “Indeed. I’ve never seen a disciple with such steady temperament. It’s a pity he doesn’t cultivate.”

Lin Fei made no comment, only remaining silent.