C49 Advance

Jiang Su hadn't anticipated that Wang Tian would be even more astonished than he was.

Sidling up to Jiang, Wang Tian asked, "When he arrives, where am I supposed to stay? Am I expected to live in the courtyard?"

He spoke without any attempt to lower his voice, and the other three heard every word clearly.

Rong Yu, far from taking offense, simply pondered the scarcity of rooms on Sword Wing Peak. The place was indeed stark and unadorned.

Elder Chiu Yue, who held both Jiang Su and Wang Tian in high regard due to their talents, didn't get angry at Wang Tian's blunt questioning. He merely gave him a stern look.

Chastened by the glare, Wang Tian toned down his behavior. It was then that Jiang Su stated matter-of-factly, "You'll have to share a room with me."

In both the Immortal and Devil Domains, etiquette was a fundamental component of societal order. Guests were customarily provided with their own separate accommodations.

Wang Tian couldn't contain his excitement. Sharing a room with Jiang meant he could closely observe the lifestyle of a genius.

Upon reaching Sword Wing Peak, Rong Yu couldn't hide his surprise at its austerity.

Jiang Su commented with a nonchalant air, "Though modest, one can live quite comfortably here."

Rong Yu's eyes sparkled at the remark. "Jiang, you're quite the scholar! What a splendid saying! Your literary knowledge is truly impressive!"

Rong Yu's sudden burst of enthusiasm was unexpected.

"Jiang, during my stay, perhaps we could exchange insights on our readings," he suggested.

Jiang Su, however, was not keen on the idea. He was far too busy with a multitude of books awaiting his attention.

Wang Tian, frustrated, hauled his belongings out of the room on the right, grumbling, "Enjoy your reading alone."

His footsteps echoed thunderously on the wooden staircase.

Rong Yu blinked with a look of innocence, puzzled by Wang Tian's apparent animosity, though he couldn't recall doing anything to warrant it.

"Jiang, who is this young man?" he inquired.

"He's Wang Tian, a Single Spiritual Root Body Cultivator," Jiang Su introduced.

A Single Spiritual Root Body Cultivator was a rarity in the Cultivation World these days. It was no surprise that Wang Tian carried himself with such pride, given his exceptional aptitude.

"Jiang, since you've become a disciple of Elder Chiu Yue, I assume you're a Sword Cultivator. We could share insights on the path of the sword and perhaps even become friends," Rong Yu suggested with a hint of admiration for those cultivators who were fond of reading. He was determined to befriend Jiang Su.

He knew he had to remain at Sword Wing Peak until he had an audience with the Female Ruler and the Seventh Prince. Building a rapport with Jiang Su and Wang Tian seemed essential.

Jiang Su chuckled, "Actually, I've just recently taken up the path of a Medical Cultivator. I'm still quite green, so discussing Sword Cultivation might be beyond me at the moment."

A shadow of disappointment crossed Rong Yu's face, followed by confusion. Elder Chiu Yue was renowned as a Sword Cultivator, so why would he take on a Medical Cultivator like Jiang Su as a disciple?

"My boy, come here. We need to talk," Elder Chiu Yue beckoned.

Jiang Su was summoned to the main room, while Rong Yu headed to the adjacent room. Stepping inside, he paused, taken aback. Given Wang Tian's icy demeanor, he had expected an empty, unwelcoming space. To his surprise, the room was well-appointed, complete with fresh linens on the bed. Clearly, Wang Tian had made the bed before removing his belongings.

With a gentle click, Rong Yu closed the door, his fringe neatly masking the chill in his eyes. He retrieved a black jade pendant from his storage space, a ritual instrument gifted by his master capable of completely concealing his cultivation level. The pendant, glowing with a frosty sheen, was secured at his waist before he stealthily positioned himself beside the wall shared with the main room, intent on eavesdropping.

"Take a seat," Elder Chiu Yue instructed.

As Jiang Su complied, he inquired, "Master, are you about to discuss Rong Yu with me?"

Elder Chiu Yue extended his divine sense to probe the area, his brow furrowing when he couldn't detect Rong Yu's presence. The room, though modest, was designed to muffle sound.

That is unless those speaking in the main room wished their words to be overheard, as Su Wuyou and Elder Chiu Yue had previously done, raising their voices when they sensed Jiang Su's presence outside.

Rong Yu didn't come just to pay his respects to the Female Ruler and the prince. He's an envoy from the First Immortal Sect, tasked by the Royal Family of Tianqi to gauge the might of the Devil Domain. It must be said, Ye Qing, the Deputy Sect Master of the First Immortal Sect, is quite shrewd. Had he chosen to move in secret, the Female Ruler would have had him eliminated eventually.

Jiang Su listened intently and nodded in agreement.

"That's why, during Rong Yu's stay, you must conceal your Celestial Spiritual Root talent. It's not that we fear them in the Devil Domain; rather, I prefer you avoid getting entangled in the Immortal and Devil Domains' disputes prematurely."

"Master, I understand. Thank you for looking out for me."

After Elder Chiu Yue had finished briefing him, he resumed his usual demeanor.

"When you make a name for yourself in the Cultivation World, you're destined to top the Azure Cloud Rankings. Rong Yu is obsessed with swords and books. If he seeks you out for a challenge, how will you respond?"

Elder Chiu Yue paused, watching Jiang Su closely for his reaction.

Reflecting on his master's words, Jiang Su answered, "I've mentioned that I've only recently become a Medical Cultivator. Nevertheless, should he challenge me, I'll decline."

"No, my student, remember the fan you had at your waist when you deceived me? Use that fan as your sword and show Rong Yu of the First Immortal Sect just how formidable you are!"

They then shifted the conversation to other topics.

Meanwhile, Rong Yu in the adjacent room strained to eavesdrop, but to no avail. Concerned about being detected by Elder Chiu Yue, he settled down to read the book he had brought along.

With Rong Yu's presence, Elder Chiu Yue remained in the main house all day without venturing out.

After his discussion with Elder Chiu Yue, Jiang Su retreated to his room to pore over the texts Wen Shu had provided.

Outside, Wang Tian practiced the Divine Body Forging Spell in the courtyard.

At noon, the Cook Disciple brought their meals straight to the left room.

While eating, Wang Tian found a moment to speak. "Jiang, I'd advise keeping your distance from Rong Yu. His intentions for being here seem complex. Let's find an opportunity to teach him a lesson."

Jiang Su set the book down on the table and chuckled, "He's our guest, so we can't rough him up. But we've got an outsider at Sword Wing Peak. Hurry up and finish your meal, then come with me to Dangerless Peak for some cultivation. You'll tackle the climb, and I'll work on my swordplay."

Wang Tian was well aware that he couldn't avoid the climb up Dangerless Peak, but he was intent on putting it off for as long as possible. He had assumed he wouldn't have to face the climb until evening.

After all, a nighttime ascent of Dangerless Peak would be a thrilling challenge, wouldn't it?

It was all Rong Yu's fault. If he hadn't shown up, Wang Tian could have enjoyed a few more hours of rest.

Squinting his eyes, he hatched a plan to play a trick on Rong Yu.