C17 Sighing, Eldest Senior Brother Made People's Hearts Ache.
"Qingwei, I'm afraid..."
Suddenly, Ye Ning spoke up, "Master, I think we should give Qingwei a chance to try."
"But Qingwei's cultivation level isn't sufficient," came the hesitant reply.
Before Ye Ning could respond, Chen Qingwei interjected, "How can it not be enough? Master, I've reached the Spiritual Pedestal Stage now! Hmph, I'm quite formidable too."
In that moment, Chen Qingwei realized she would never quite measure up to the Eldest Senior Brother in her Master's eyes. Yet, this didn't bother her. In fact, her Master's perspective only made her happier. Her Eldest Senior Brother was indeed formidable! And now, more than ever, Qingwei was eager to prove herself to her teacher. Without hesitation, she began to channel her cultivation.
"Junior sister, please stop this nonsense," Ye Ning intervened, halting Chen Qingwei's reckless behavior. Stirring up one's cultivation in the hall could damage the ancient relics and treasures within, and Chen Qingwei certainly couldn't afford to repair such losses.
"Master, I truly believe Qingwei deserves a chance to hone her skills," Ye Ning insisted. "Cultivation isn't about working in isolation. You, Master, have reached the Dao Transformation Stage not by the shelter of our ancestors but through your own perseverance."
Jin Lingzi, still uncertain, glanced at Ye Ning and thought, "Well, if Qingwei grows stronger, she can help alleviate Ning's burdens." It was an ideal solution.
She pondered, "But why has Qingwei suddenly become so proactive?" Qingwei was clever, yes, but notoriously lazy. She had been raised that way. If it were a matter of enjoying a play, Qingwei would be the first to volunteer. Yet now, she was eager to engage in combat?
Perhaps her disciple was maturing, which was a positive development. "Maybe it's Ning's drive, his dedication to cultivation, and his pride in our sect that have inspired Qingwei," she mused. It made sense.
Jin Lingzi nodded, smiling, "Very well, let's proceed with this plan. But remember, Qingwei, your current level of cultivation is still not quite there." Chen Qingwei's ability to reach the Spiritual Pedestal Stage at her age was impressive, rare even within the Irontalons and the wider Cultivation World. Still, Jiang Feng was likely no ordinary opponent, and Qingwei, young and inexperienced, would have to prepare diligently.
"There are three months left, Qingwei. You must commit to your cultivation," Jin Lingzi advised.
"Yes, Master!" Qingwei replied, her resolve firm.
With that, the matter was settled. Ye Ning was about to leave when Jin Lingzi called out to him.
"Ning."
"Master, what is it?"
"Do you have any issues with your cultivation?" Jin Lingzi inquired, concerned about her disciple. The entries in his diary had been troubling, though they were always too brief to fully understand his state of mind. Jin Lingzi's concern was genuine, but Ye Ning seemed taken aback.
"Hmm?" he questioned. "Master, why do you ask?" Surely, he thought, such a question from his Master was unnecessary.
How's your cultivation coming along?
I, Ye Ning, have directly advanced to the Golden Core Realm, transforming my sword qi into a Green Lotus.
Isn't the state of my cultivation evident right before your eyes?
Is there even a need to ask?
Yet, Master did ask.
"Master may have explained her earlier unusual behavior, but it seems I'm still not out of the woods!"
"Fortunately, Master's doubts about me are only skin-deep for now."
"So, Ye Ning, stay calm and don't worry too much!"
Just keep true to your heart, and all will be well.
"Master, your disciple's cultivation has been progressing quite smoothly. Yesterday, while reading in the Scripture Pavilion, I, uh..."
She intended to share with her Master about a peculiar book she'd found.
The Soil Scripture was an Irontalons artifact; perhaps Master could shed light on its origin.
But at the last moment, Ye Ning bit back his words.
Shifting the conversation, he suddenly said, "Master, I believe the Swiftglades Sect's visit isn't as simple as a mere comparison of skills."
"There's simply no need for that."
The Irontalons Sect may be on the rise, but it hasn't peaked yet!
By contrast, the Swiftglades Sect is already at the pinnacle of the Cultivation World.
"Their visit to Irontalons likely has a hidden agenda."
Ye Ning thought, "Master, I've hinted enough; I hope you take this seriously."
Indeed, the Swiftglades Sect's visit was driven by clandestine motives.
First, they were scouting the situation at Empty Pinnacle in advance.
Second, they had uncovered a secret of the Irontalons Sect.
Let's not forget, the Irontalons once stood as the world's foremost sect.
An Ancestral Master of a past generation once vanquished seven great Demon Masters with a single sword strike. This is no mere tale.
Even the Swiftglades Sect envies such a legacy.
"I'm aware of what's at stake."
"Ning, you must continue to mentor Qingwei diligently."
"Master, rest assured, I'm on it."
After their exchange, Ye Ning exited the main hall.
He exhaled deeply.
"Whew, meeting with Master Jin Lingzi is like engaging in espionage."
The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable!
...
Meanwhile, Chen Qingwei was covertly observing from afar.
She was eager to discover what secrets Master had imparted to the Eldest Senior Brother.
Gone was her former demeanor; resolved to protect her Eldest Senior Brother, she would conquer her indolence and dedicate herself to rigorous cultivation.
She needed to be privy to many matters.
"I've never seen Eldest Senior Brother sigh like that."
He has always been the epitome of composure and confidence, with everything under his control.
Yet today, he showed an uncharacteristically troubled aspect.
"No, it wasn't just today."
"He's always been adept at concealing his concerns, keeping us in the dark."
This realization caused a pang in Chen Qingwei's heart.
A wave of empathy washed over her.
Could she, facing such an exemplary Eldest Senior Brother, ever bring herself to harm him?
No, it was unthinkable.
Under no circumstance could that happen.
"Chen Qingwei, you must persevere!"
"Ouch!"
Suddenly, a hand reached out, seizing her by the neck.
Ye Ning hoisted her up effortlessly, as one would a kitten.
"What are you muttering about over here?"