Chapter 61

Jingyun Martial Academy, Qingyuan Cottage.

In the elegant pavilion, the melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" had just finished playing on the zither.

A gentle breeze from afar lightly stirred the pearl curtains, lifting the thin veil on the face of the woman in white, revealing a glimpse of her smooth, round chin, yet Wei Changfeng still had no chance to see his master's true appearance.

"The way of the sword lies in perseverance!"

Dongfang Caibai lightly pressed the zither strings and said calmly, "No matter how great one's talent, it cannot replace diligence and effort. I was originally planning to take back your cottage token, but since Qinghong pleaded for you..."

She glanced at her beloved disciple, whose face instantly turned red.

"This time, I will let it go, but no more in the future!"

Wei Changfeng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master, for your leniency."

Dongfang Caibai nodded and continued, "However, what makes you think I would accept this little girl as a disciple? Do you really think I, Dongfang Caibai, am so easy to persuade?"

Her tone became stern, and an invisible aura enveloped the entire pavilion.

Wei Changfeng immediately felt immense pressure!

Yu Qinghong became anxious and quickly signaled to Wei Changfeng not to speak rashly.

Wei Changfeng stood firm and said solemnly, "Disciple dares not offend Master, but I do not want Master to miss out on true talent. I hope Master will see clearly!"

"Hmm?"

Hearing Wei Changfeng's words, Dongfang Caibai became somewhat interested: "Let her come over..."

Wei Changfeng gently pulled Tie Xinlan's small hand, signaling her to come forward.

Tie Xinlan was very shy and held great reverence for Dongfang Caibai.

However, she did not disobey Wei Changfeng and carefully walked to Dongfang Caibai, knelt down, and said in a childlike voice, "Xinlan greets Fairy Auntie..."

Who taught her that? Wei Changfeng was speechless.

Yu Qinghong couldn't help but laugh.

Dongfang Caibai's eyes also showed a hint of amusement, but she quickly composed herself, her gaze becoming much gentler, without the previous sharpness.

"Stand up..."

She extended her hand to help Tie Xinlan up and pulled her close to examine her carefully.

Tie Xinlan was just five years old, with a face that resembled her mother's by about seventy percent. She had clear eyebrows and bright eyes, making her very adorable. Despite her simple clothing, she was a budding beauty that could not be hidden.

Dongfang Caibai's eyes showed even more affection.

Wei Changfeng seized the opportunity to say, "To be honest, Master, Xinlan has the innate Yin constitution. Without a master to teach her advanced techniques, she might not live past fifteen. Therefore, I brought her here to seek your mercy!"

He had said enough to pique interest. If he continued, and Dongfang Caibai failed to recognize it, he would lose face.

"Innate Yin constitution!"

Dongfang Caibai was visibly moved and grabbed Tie Xinlan's wrist.

The innate Yin constitution cannot be diagnosed by ordinary pulse-taking. Even highly skilled alchemists or powerful martial artists would not detect it without a very thorough examination.

Thus, people with the innate Yin constitution are often misdiagnosed with wind-cold and yin evil, leading to their untimely deaths, fading away silently.

Wei Changfeng could identify Tie Xinlan's innate Yin constitution not only because of his exceptional medical skills but also due to his past experiences.

Dongfang Caibai spent a full incense stick's time before slowly releasing Tie Xinlan's small hand and nodded, saying, "Yes, the innate Yin energy is deeply rooted in the five organs, six腑, and all the meridians and acupoints. It is indeed the true innate Yin constitution!"

She stared at Wei Changfeng, her gaze sharp: "How did you figure it out?"

Wei Changfeng answered calmly, "My mother was ill, so I studied medicine. I accidentally found an unnamed medical book and learned many pulse-taking and acupuncture techniques."

His answer was partly true and partly false. There were no obvious flaws, but unless someone probed deeply, it would be hard to uncover the truth.

Dongfang Caibai, however, was not that idle.

Dongfang Caibai did not press further but asked, "The madman in the library made you a senior disciple because of your medical skills, right?"

The madman in the library...

Wei Changfeng said frankly, "Master, you see everything. Senior Ouyang's internal injuries have been cured by me."

This was not boasting but proving his medical skills.

"Cured?"

Dongfang Caibai was clearly surprised: "With your medical skills, you could achieve a life of wealth and honor without learning martial arts and enduring hardships!"

Wei Changfeng smiled and said, "Medicine is a minor path. What I seek is the supreme martial way!"

At that moment, he finally revealed his ambition and sharpness, his aura changing dramatically!

Yu Qinghong, sitting beside Dongfang Caibai, looked at him with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Dongfang Caibai fell silent for a moment and then said slowly, "Your aspirations are great. With your talent and insight, I could have taken you as a direct disciple, but now..."

She revealed a secret that Wei Changfeng did not know.

It turned out that in three months, the Yunhai Mountain lineage, where Dongfang Caibai belonged, would send people to Jingyun Martial Academy to select outstanding disciples for training in the mountains.

Although Yunhai Mountain was not the top sect, it was a prestigious and powerful branch of the Five Mountains Sect, known throughout the ancient continent.

Typically, Yunhai Mountain would select disciples from the Great Qin Martial Academy or the talent-rich provincial martial academies, not a remote place like Jingyun City.

However, this time, it was due to a senior elder from Jingyun who had spoken, making this an exception.

Dongfang Caibai had returned to Jingyun City early because of this and stayed at Jingyun Martial Academy.

"I have three direct selection slots..."

Dongfang Caibai said, "I have already used two. If I give the last one to Tie Xinlan, you will have to compete for one of the nine selection slots if you want to enter Yunhai Mountain!"

"I can also tell you that in the upper academy, at least seven disciples have reached the Qi Condensation stage!"

So that was it!

Wei Changfeng finally understood many things.

The nine selection slots for Yunhai Mountain would not be given to the lower academy but would be contested among the upper academy disciples, leading to fierce competition.

With seven Qi Condensation stage disciples in the upper academy, there would undoubtedly be more in three months!

The competition had already begun. The conflict between Dongfang Haoyang and Dongfang Lingtian was undoubtedly for this reason. Otherwise, if it was just to advance to the provincial martial academy, they would not have torn their faces so openly!

For disciples of such large clans, getting early information was normal.

As for why Dongfang Caibai did not give the three direct slots to her clan members, there was probably a deeper reason.

And his life-and-death duel with Hao Xiong was not that simple either!

In such a situation, if Wei Changfeng received a direct slot from Dongfang Caibai, it would be a shortcut to success. As long as he won the life-and-death match, his future would be bright!

But by recommending Tie Xinlan to Dongfang Caibai, he took the last slot, which was like shooting himself in the foot.

For most people, this would be a tough choice!

However, Wei Changfeng hesitated for only a moment before saying solemnly, "Three months is enough!"

To tread the path of martial arts, one must have the heart to overcome all obstacles and move forward without hesitation. If one only seeks shortcuts, how can they hone their will and strength?

The other path might be fraught with difficulties and setbacks, but it would not shake Wei Changfeng's resolve!

Three months was enough for him to grow and compete with the elite disciples of the upper academy!

Hearing Wei Changfeng's answer, Dongfang Caibai's eyes showed a hint of amusement, and she said, "You have a bit of cleverness. If you change your mind, I will kick you out first!"

She took Tie Xinlan's small hand again, "I will take Xinlan as a disciple. She will live in Qingyuan Cottage. After the selection, I will take her, Qinghong, and Qingxuan back to the mountain."

"As for you... I will not neglect you. I will teach you another sword technique tomorrow!"

Wei Changfeng inwardly smiled bitterly, swallowing the words he was about to say and bowed, "Thank you, Master!"

Dongfang Caibai misunderstood his expression and said coldly, "Don't worry, this sword technique is a true transmission of the mystic sect and is very suitable for you, even if you are just a temporary disciple."

Wei Changfeng quickly said, "Disciple dares not. Since Senior Ouyang is going into seclusion, I would like to come and learn the sword technique tomorrow morning. Please allow it, Master!"

Dongfang Caibai's expression improved, "If you want to come, come. Don't ask me. Go out!"

Wei Changfeng hurriedly bowed and left.

Leaving the pavilion, he let out a long sigh of relief.

This female master was unpredictable and not easy to please, but fortunately, she was not always around.

Speaking of which, Wei Changfeng had had many women in his past life but had never truly understood women's hearts.

Unexpectedly, Bi Xiuxin's face appeared in his mind...

"Junior, what are you thinking about?"

Yu Qinghong's voice suddenly came from behind.

Wei Changfeng composed himself and turned around, smiling, "I was thinking about what sword technique I will learn tomorrow!"

Yu Qinghong laughed lightly, "Don't worry, Master is a good person. Since she promised, she will definitely teach you a high-level sword technique!"

"Okay!" Wei Changfeng nodded.

Yu Qinghong's eyes twinkled, and she lowered her voice, "Junior, are you okay now?"

Wei Changfeng was a bit puzzled, "I guess so. What's up, Senior Sister?"

"That's great!"

Yu Qinghong smiled brightly, "Come with me to the city to buy a dress that matches the pearl necklace!"

Wei Changfeng was speechless.

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