### Chapter 254: Shall We Go Wash Our Heads in the Alley?
Yun Zhonghe never expected that Su Xiaoxiao would react so strongly to what happened in the cave, making him hesitant to bring up that sensitive topic again.
Could it be that something embarrassing really happened in that cramped space?
Yun Zhonghe was left puzzled. All he knew was that Su Xiaoxiao and Su Xinghe had saved him. How could that be a taboo subject? On the contrary, he felt he should be showering them with gratitude.
It was all very strange.
Su Xiaoxiao seemed resolute in not revealing more, so Yun Zhonghe could only put his confusion on hold for the time being.
He decided to take everything that Xue Yunjian said at face value.
After all, with that girl’s personality, even without the excuse of the cave, she would still find a way to squeeze the life out of him.
She was really something else, similar to a succubus, that sword spirit.
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but marvel at how truly absurd this world was—a world so deeply entrenched in visual novels that even the weirdest things seemed to gain strength!
…
In the blink of an eye, it was another peaceful rest day.
On this day, Yun Zhonghe decided to head down the mountain alone.
Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu were still hard at work, diligently cultivating under the watchful eyes of their masters.
Notably, Mu Jixue had finally broken through to the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment Stage, benefiting Yun Zhonghe, who also saw his own cultivation level rise alongside hers, reaching the same pinnacle.
She had been stuck at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment for a long time, not because of any obstacles in her cultivation, but because she was deliberately holding herself back.
With her extraordinary talent, if she hadn’t been forced to rein in her progress, she’d likely have crossed into Golden Core long ago.
The reason she was intentionally constraining herself was to forge a more powerful and purer Golden Core.
Master Youyue, as her teacher, had deeper plans in mind, meticulously refining her cultivation foundation in her own unique way, aiming for the strongest Golden Core.
Yun Zhonghe wasn’t quite sure about Lin Zhongyu’s situation. It was said she had also reached the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment, but the Yin-Yang Sword God’s teaching methods were entirely different from Master Youyue’s. As a sword cultivator, the Yin-Yang Sword God placed more emphasis on the realm of swordsmanship rather than the quality of the Golden Core.
Thus, Lin Zhongyu had been taken to the peak of the Divine Sword Mountain in the Western Continent to discuss swordsmanship.
The Western Continent was a holy land for sword cultivators.
On this vast land of the Western Continent, swordsmanship thrived, with the legendary First Sword Sect, the Jade Sword Holy Land, situated right in the center, being not only the top sect in the swording world but also a sacred place in the hearts of countless sword cultivators.
Countless sword immortals, sword gods, and sword lords—various legendary figures were born there, and their names echoed throughout the cultivation realm. There were even supreme beings known as “Sword Ancestors” who had left behind legends.
Of course, other sects and practitioners existed, despite the vast majority of resources being monopolized by the sword sects. While they still managed to survive, their presence was comparatively weak.
The types of cultivators in the Western Continent weren’t as diverse as in the Eastern Continent. The Eastern Continent resembled a kaleidoscope of the cultivation realm, with every school flourishing—whether it be pill refining, tool crafting, formations, or other magical arts; traces of thriving development could be found. In contrast, the Western Continent’s focus on swordsmanship had enabled its cultivators to achieve remarkable feats, often gaining rich practical experience through numerous trials.
Moreover, the Western Continent frequently hosted sword discussions, competitions, and even opened ancient sword tombs, resulting in an incredibly competitive atmosphere.
Choosing to take Lin Zhongyu to the Western Continent was the Yin-Yang Sword God’s way of seizing the swordsmanship environment and fierce competition to ignite Lin Zhongyu’s potential.
As Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu rapidly grew, Su Xiaoxiao naturally didn’t want to be left behind. She abandoned her rest time and threw herself fervently into cultivation, striving to enhance her strength.
The four monster cores she obtained last time from the Secret Realm became crucial for her cultivation, not only helping her refine her body but also significantly speeding up her cultivation level.
However, as Su Xiaoxiao’s cultivation increased, Yun Zhonghe began to notice a concerning phenomenon—her bad luck seemed to be intensifying as well.
Although strange incidents only happened occasionally, they could still be kept at bay in the blessing lands of the Xuantian Sect. Yet, Yun Zhonghe felt it was time to address Su Xiaoxiao’s bad luck physique issue.
But that wasn’t the most pressing matter.
What was currently most important was how to deal with the Su Family and eliminate their unfriendly thoughts towards Su Xiaoxiao.
Yun Zhonghe descended the mountain this time to seek a solution to his current predicament.
Since he had a good relationship with some classmates, he learned from one of them, through an unexpected opportunity, that there might be a great chance somewhere in the Xuantian Mansion worth a gamble.
So, he specially descended the mountain to check it out.
The Xuantian Mansion, a bustling metropolis in the cultivation realm, was astonishing in its vast scale.
As Yun Zhonghe navigated through the bustling crowds, simply getting there took half a day, and he spent dozens of spirit stones to expedite his journey.
It would be a massive loss to run around for nothing.
Following the map provided by his classmate, he arrived at a quiet alley.
At the entrance of this alley, the noise and clamor seemed to be shut out, replaced by a calming tranquility.
In the Xuantian Mansion, where every inch was precious, such a peaceful spot was truly a rarity that felt completely out of place next to the vibrant city.
This must be the chance his classmate mentioned, Yun Zhonghe thought, and he made his way deeper into the alley.
This place was called Questioning Way Alley, not an official name given by the Xuantian Mansion, but rather what many privately referred to it as.
Here, the trade was not in spirit stones, skills, or magical treasures but in the path to enlightenment.
Seeking wisdom, asking questions, guidance for techniques, and insights into swordsmanship…
If one encountered any difficulties in cultivation, they could come here and take a shot at their luck; perhaps someone would be willing to offer guidance, which is how it got its name.
The alley was deep and quiet, with ancient, dignified houses flanking either side. Occasionally, one could glimpse weathered wooden signs on their walls.
The signs boasted a variety of offerings—from seeking wisdom to offering to teach, clearly marking their intentions and specifying their areas of expertise, whether it was the pursuit of heavenly laws or the essence of swordsmanship, all were transparent and easy to understand.
Of course, some particular requests were also mixed in, such as seeking healing solutions.
As Yun Zhonghe walked and explored, curiosity arose in his heart, sparking a bizarre thought—could there be some unconventional requests looking for answers here too…
He quickly shook his head, dispelling these absurd thoughts.
It shouldn’t be that weird, right?
Yet once that thought emerged, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the place resembled one of those seedy back streets.
Guests entered, doors closed behind them, and then… you know.
Cough!
In any case.
It was said that many inner disciples, when facing cultivation bottlenecks, would rent a room here in Questioning Way Alley to continue their training while waiting for a fated person to help them.
Being such a unique and niche business, it was normal for things to be a little quiet.
Soon, Yun Zhonghe’s gaze landed on a sign that read, “Seeking Guidance on Sword Techniques.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, he walked straight to the half-open door, gently pushing it open.
The door was unlocked, but the person inside didn’t reveal themselves. A faint spiritual fluctuation floated in the air, seemingly assessing this unwelcome guest.
Yun Zhonghe felt a hint of perplexity from the other party.
From the voice, it seemed to belong to a girl.
Could it be she was really just washing her hair?
Washing little heads.
Was everything on those signs just cleverly crafted codes?
The so-called “Guidance on Swordsmanship” or “Instruction on Heavenly Laws” might imply some deeper need or specific form of exchange… hinting at something else altogether?
Advice on big swords?
Any enlightenments on sound paths?
Yun Zhonghe’s imagination ran wild.
“Foundation Establishment Stage?”
Just as these ludicrous thoughts swirled in his mind, a lovely voice emerged from within. It was pleasant to listen to but not overly soft.
“Sorry, what I need guidance on is an Earth-grade sword technique. If you haven’t reached the Golden Core stage, I’m afraid…”
Her tone was amicable, with no hint of belittling Yun Zhonghe.
Yun Zhonghe didn’t say much; instead, he positioned two fingers from his right hand and shot a blade of sword qi at the ground.
The sword qi struck the ground like a b*llet, leaving a deep indentation.
Seeing this, the person inside was momentarily taken aback!
Sword qi from Qi Refinement?!!
To master sword qi at the Foundation Establishment stage? And to do so with such finesse, launching it directly from his fingertips?!
It must be noted that sword qi transformation was a skill that usually required one to reach the Golden Core stage to grasp even at a basic level.
And here was Yun Zhonghe, a young cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, showcasing this technique with such proficiency, unleashing powerful sword qi from his fingertips. How could that not astonish someone?
By proving himself, Yun Zhonghe established his qualification for guidance.
“Please wait a moment.”
The other’s voice carried a hint of respect, followed by light, organized footsteps echoing in the room.
Soon, a slender figure floated into Yun Zhonghe’s view. She moved gracefully, like a dancer gliding over water, each step leaving gentle ripples in the air.
Dressed in a simple yet elegant dress, tied at the waist with a light green ribbon that swayed in the breeze, she exuded an ethereal charm.
Her figure was graceful, resembling the swaying of willows, with skin almost translucent like fresh winter snow, radiating a soft, warm glow.
Her face was round, with delicate features, her eyes warm and captivating.
She looked to be around twenty, at most.
Holding a sword technique manual with both hands, she extended it towards Yun Zhonghe with an indescribable elegance, her eyes sparkling with sincerity and anticipation.
“This ‘Southern Sky Flame Sword Technique’ is an Earth-grade lower-tier sword school I’ve meticulously chosen. I’ve mastered it fully, yet I feel it still lacks a certain enlightenment, unable to reach the rumored higher perfection. If you could offer me a sliver of insight into this swordsmanship, I would owe you a favor, and in the future, I’ll obligate myself to meet any request within my ability.”
It seemed she was also a sword cultivator aspiring to transcend in swordsmanship.
Sword cultivators were like this; even the smallest advancement was enough to be remembered as a great favor.
Yun Zhonghe deeply resonated with that sentiment.
He took the sword manual, flipping it open carefully. The techniques recorded inside were absolutely exquisite and powerful.
He summoned Xue Yunjian and began practicing according to the manual, familiarizing himself with the sword techniques.
When the girl spotted Xue Yunjian in his hand, her eyes lit up, realizing it was a fine sword.
The blade was as white as snow, emanating a faint chill that mirrored the astonishment in her eyes.
It was clear Yun Zhonghe had a profound understanding of swords.
Moreover, his talent in swordsmanship was notable. In mere moments, he grasped the “Southern Sky Flame Sword Technique” to perfection, the sword light swirling like a fire dragon in the air, emanating an imposing momentum.
The girl stood by, quietly watching, her eyes filled with admiration. Every movement and angle Yun Zhonghe made was executed with flawless precision, as if every detail had been honed to perfection.
Even Yun Zhonghe himself was secretly astonished. Today, wielding his sword, he felt a sensation entirely different from before.
The Xue Yunjian seemed to align perfectly with his soul; each swing felt as natural as breathing, flowing smoothly as he wielded it.
Could this be due to their deeper connection that had encouraged his growth?
His swordsmanship level seemed to elevate slightly.
Once the path is clear, all techniques become accessible.
With the rise in his swordsmanship level, Yun Zhonghe could wield any sword technique with remarkable ease, as if all techniques had merged into his bl**d, coming to him effortlessly.
“Blazing Fire Chasing the Sun!” With a low shout from Yun Zhonghe, the sword light sliced through the空, akin to a raging flame racing towards the horizon.
Followed by, “Fire Feathers Flying!” The sword light transformed into countless flaming feathers swarming through the air, dazzling and fierce, leaving onlookers breathless.
“Flame Erosion of the Heavens!” His final move pushed the sword qi’s power to its utmost; fierce flames roared in a furious blaze.
Though Yun Zhonghe possessed a Golden-root, he could still wield this Fire-based sword technique, even transforming sword qi into flames.
Of course, these weren’t true spiritual flames, but rather flame-like manifestations of sword qi.
However, compared to the girl’s fire during her swordplay, Yun Zhonghe’s flames appeared small in comparison.
Yet, that was understandable. After all, he had only just learned this sword technique, while she had been immersed in it for years, making her realm much higher.
Moreover, considering Yun Zhonghe was inherently tied to the Gold element, it didn’t quite suit the Flame-based sword techniques.
To produce these fiery sword qi displays was already quite impressive.
The girl watched in awe.
Very impressive; Yun Zhonghe’s swordsmanship demonstration was indeed captivating, yet regrettably, it still wasn’t what she sought.
What she needed wasn’t just mastery of the existing techniques in the manual. She yearned for an epiphany that transcended the manual—something unique to propel her sword techniques to a higher realm.
Just when she thought Yun Zhonghe’s performance was reaching its end, he unexpectedly began radiating his true brilliance.
Whoosh—!!!
Suddenly, the sword qi flames swirling around Xue Yunjian, which had merely been a wisp of flame before, ignited as if kindled by some mysterious force, erupting into raging infernos!
“This… it’s impossible!”
The girl muttered in shock, her gaze glued to the astonishing sight before her that completely exceeded her expectations.
The intensity matched that of her own sword flames nurtured over years of practice!
In an instant, he had leapt from qualitative to quantitative changes—how was he achieving such a breakthrough?!
If the previous flame was merely an immature display from the Qi Refinement stage, then now the flames Yun Zhonghe demonstrated reached the majestic and intense qualities of the Golden Core stage.
And yet, this wasn’t the end!
Yun Zhonghe, brandishing Xue Yunjian, sliced down fiercely; following the tip of the sword, a fire whirlpool erupted towards the sky, then rampaged like a runaway stallion, blossoming into a colossal vortex that blocked out the sun.
In the heart of that whirlpool, flames surged voraciously, seemingly bent on consuming everything around until they gradually dwindled down.
This scene left the girl utterly dumbfounded, her heart brimming with disbelief and shock.
“Is this satisfactory?”
After executing this stunning series of moves, Yun Zhonghe, slightly fatigued, wiped the sweat from his brow, slowly sheath ing Xue Yunjian, his gaze imbued with curiosity and anticipation.
Yet, it took the girl several moments to snap back from her astonishment. She excitedly rushed toward Yun Zhonghe, grasping his arms tightly, her eyes shimmering with fervor.
“How did you just do that?!”
Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, her bright eyes wide open, glinting with an urgency to know, as if Yun Zhonghe didn’t reveal his secret, she would never let him leave easily.
She was determined to squeeze secrets out of him.
Seeing her like this, Yun Zhonghe cracked a casual smile, responding slowly, “A spark can ignite a prairie fire.”
He laid bare his insights.
“A spark can ignite a prairie fire… a spark can ignite a prairie fire…” The girl repeated the phrase with wonderment, her eyes radiating glimmers of joy, as if in that moment, she had finally captured something incredibly important.
The same sword maneuvers, though Yun Zhonghe’s spiritual energy was inferior to hers and the attributes were not in resonance, he had ignited a more potent sword qi flame.
This didn’t indicate that Yun Zhonghe’s flames were overwhelmingly powerful, but rather he had masterfully leveraged external forces, using everything around him that could amplify his strength, like a tiny ember that, with wind and dry grass, could eventually set an entire field ablaze.
The girl suddenly understood that she had been obsessively pursuing her own firepower all along while neglecting the broader world around her—the “forces” she could use to her advantage.
Personal strength is limited, much like an isolated flame. If one doesn’t know how to create momentum or borrow strength, even the most vigorous flames will ultimately flicker out, unable to last.
“I understand now, I understand now…!”
Excited nearly to the point of jumping, the girl’s face radiated unprecedented joy and excitement.
Seeing her genuinely joyful at grasping the essence of swordsmanship, Yun Zhonghe felt a swell of happiness as well.
As fellow enthusiasts of the sword path, their mutual understanding transcended words.
Understanding the sword way requires broadening beyond mere techniques; only then can one truly perceive the essence of the sword path to gain insights into other aspects.
You can never replicate something purely by copying.
“Thank you! I finally found my direction!”
The girl grasped Yun Zhonghe’s hand gratefully. Though he had only pointed her toward a direction, that was enough. This was exactly what she needed.
The remaining path, she would walk herself, for only then would she grasp her own sword path.
“Not a problem, we all have our own needs. Uh, can I…” Yun Zhonghe chuckled sheepishly.
The girl nodded without hesitation; she certainly remembered her promise.
She heartily patted her chest: “Don’t worry! Whatever you need, I’ll do my best to fulfill it!”
“Alright, I’d like a Yuan Ying Pill if possible…” Yun Zhonghe said with a touch of reluctance.
The Yuan Ying Pill, a precious item that could improve the success rate for breaking through to the Yuan Ying stage, was a fourth-tier pill worth several million.
Currently, Su Xinghe had been stuck at the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage for a long time. Moreover, the Su Family had imposed heavy restrictions on her, leaving her resources for cultivation in tatters. Even if she wanted to buy it, she couldn’t afford the steep price of a few million spirit stones.
The preciousness of Yuan Ying Pills was evident. As a fourth-tier item, it had become a rare-fied existence in this world.
However, to the girl, it seemed like nothing. She pulled out a delicate porcelain bottle from her storage ring and gently shook it near her ear, seemingly confirming the quantity inside.
After verifying, she handed the vial to Yun Zhonghe without hesitation, smiling, “There are five Yuan Ying Pills in here. They’re leftover from when I broke through to Yuan Ying. They’re of no great use to me now; they’re all yours!”
Yun Zhonghe: !!!
Holy moly! A rich girl!
