Demon Sword Sect's Undercover-Chapter 515 - 514: Gradually Integrating

The two stood opposed, not engaging in aerial combat as in a true fight, for the backyard was not spacious enough for such maneuvers; instead, they used a flowering tree between them as a marker to see whose Flying Sword could pluck the brightest bloom without harming the rest of the garden’s flowers and plants.

At their level of cultivation, control over their Flying Swords was so refined that it became completely effortless. Although this type of contest could not completely replace real combat, it essentially showcased their capabilities with the Flying Swords.

The battles between Sword Cultivators were exceedingly perilous, often decided by the smallest margins; it’s a matter of who strikes first—you might only be a moment behind, but that moment could translate to a difference of several meters; holding back affects the display of true power, while going all out could easily cause harm, so unless absolutely necessary, Sword Cultivators rarely crossed swords.

Both were eager to test each other’s progress in swordsmanship over the years, so they both went all out.

Their two Flying Swords engaged in a struggle around the tree, darting and weaving like two butterflies; in their rise and fall, they didn’t even touch a single leaf or flower, for touching one meant defeat.

The art of the Flying Sword is such a process of control: first mastering the skill, then seeking to maximize power, speed, and versatility, and finally, retracting these abilities to achieve control as directed by the mind, which was what they were capable of now.

Continuing further would involve incorporating elemental powers and understanding of the Great Dao, entering a whole new realm.

The force was restrained, hidden yet not released, but the colliding Flying Swords emitted a dull, clanging sound, quite unpleasant to hear.

After several exchanges, Rao Zongzhi quickly found himself at a disadvantage; it was a comprehensive suppression—in strength, speed, and adaptability... Although Rao Zongzhi had consistently practiced swordsmanship over the years, compared to Hou Niao, who sparred daily in the Soul Realm, he still seemed too green.

It wasn’t just a matter of effort but also of innate talent; Hou Niao’s talent was exceptional, and he never thought otherwise, but if a Sword Cultivator sparred daily with Sword Three, they could develop a talent from that alone.

A few moments later, Hou Niao’s Flying Sword simply pressed down directly above Rao Zongzhi’s, like one butterfly riding another, making Rao Zongzhi’s swordplay increasingly sluggish and arduous, as though it would fall at any moment, unable to fly.

Rao Zongzhi, having never encountered such a situation, knew the gap was substantial. Reluctantly, he retracted his Flying Sword and grumbled,

"You’re the senior brother, and I’m the junior! What a freak you are, how on earth did you develop such swordsmanship?"

Hou Niao, full of pride and without the need for pretense between brothers, nor worried about damaging Rao Zongzhi’s pride, said,

"Junior brother, do you think my skills could match those of the True Disciples in the sect?"

Rao Zongzhi, ever so astute, immediately caught the implication in Hou Niao’s words, "Ha-ha, so the junior brother is a toad lusting after a swan, aiming for a spot among the True Disciples?"

Hou Niao, unabashed, stated, "Why not desire it? Decades of honing my swordsmanship is not for mere display but to spread my name across the continent, and to manifest divinity before all. Don’t you think the same, senior brother?"

Rao Zongzhi smiled wryly, "Of course I dream of it, but alas, my strength is insufficient, and dreaming alone is futile. I know a few of the True Disciples in the sect, having relations with some like Wei Gu, Fang Zhonghui, and Wu Weijiang; yet I’ve never actually sparred with them, perhaps they value their dignity too much? Or maybe I’m not even in their league?"

Looking at Hou Niao with excitement, "If junior brother wants to challenge for a True Disciple spot, I fully support you; over the years, the positions of True Disciples in the sect have become nothing more than possessions controlled by certain factions and families, leaving ordinary cultivators with no chance to compete—a flourishing sect should not exhibit such scenes.

However, the manner of your challenge is the question. Let me arrange a meeting with..."

Hou Niao quickly interjected, "Senior brother, you think too much. This is a struggle for the position of True Disciple, which involves not merely a superficial clash of forces but a struggle behind the scenes. Do you think it’s just about combat on an arena and you can make the arrangements?"

Private duels had no meaning at all—who was there to witness them, and who would willingly admit defeat? Instead, due to violation of the Sect rules, engaging in private duels could result in punishment.

Moreover, why would anyone readily agree to your disrespectful request? Winning was expected, losing was embarrassing... ƒrēenovelkiss.com

As soon as Rao Zongzhi spoke, he knew it was inappropriate; after all, he was a person from the Jade Capital’s Cultivation circle, not unfamiliar with the gains and losses therein.

His mind worked quickly. "It was careless of me, Senior Brother, to speak thus. However, given this situation, we must plan in the long term, devise strategies slowly. The nine True Inheritor spots... Hmm, does Junior Brother have any connection with the households of Master Quan and Master Yuan?"

Hou Niao laughed, noting that everyone ended up with similar ideas. It was no wonder everyone thought this way. Of the thirteen Masters, nine already had disciples they supported; naturally, one could only consider the remaining four, and two of those disdained these contests...

"No connection, and there are no such plans for now. Forcing it isn’t ideal; things should happen naturally and reasonably."

Rao Zongzhi nodded, his face showing a peculiar expression. "That’s true. Does Junior Brother know which Master’s disciples have been most contested over in recent years?"

Hou Niao chuckled, "Could it be those under Masters Quan and Yuan?"

The two laughed heartily, their laughter tinged with a slight helplessness.

The mentorship within the Quanzhen Sect was very complex. Masters chose disciples, and disciples chose masters—it was a two-way process.

Of course, given the unequal realms and statuses between them, the master was always more proactive, and the disciple quite passive; hoping to become the favorite solely based on innate talent and potential was somewhat wishful thinking.

In the Cultivation World, what was never lacking was talent; talent alone could not sustain a cultivator throughout their journey, nor was it the foremost consideration.

Cultivators at the level of Nascent Transformation rarely took disciples lightly—taking a disciple was purely based on chance, mood, and some indescribable factors.

The reason why so many were knocking on the doors of Masters Quan and Yuan was obvious; it wasn’t actually about becoming disciples of the old Masters, but rather the Golden Core disciples under these Masters, hoping to leverage the power of their Grandmaster to push them forward.

No one was foolish; the subtleties were not hard to grasp.

Such discipleships involved too much exchange of interests. Guiding cultivation was secondary; it was more about serving the Master’s interests, assaulting fortresses, all for a slim chance at advancement.

Rao Zongzhi said teasingly, "Master Quan and Master Yuan also have several Golden Core disciples under them; would you like me to introduce them one by one to you, Junior Brother?"

Hou Niao shook his head, smiling bitterly. "It’s not just about purity anymore; it’s basically selling oneself to become a personal of the Master’s household, grand-disciples and all. Let’s drop it; forcefully doing so would only lose one’s own Dao Heart."

Rao Zongzhi smiled. "I knew you would say that; it seems decades of cultivation hasn’t improved your ability to put on a facade at all;

Not just you, even I disdain it. It’s too disgraceful, and I doubt it would achieve any purpose."