Chapter 16: The Way of the Sword: A Master’s Envy

Shui Jingxuan spent his days practicing swordsmanship. At night, he would slip into the cold pond to cultivate his abilities and internal energy. His life was incredibly busy, and just like that, two years slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Now, both his abilities and internal energy had made significant strides. His combat skills were even more refined than in his previous life, more than sufficient for self-preservation.

He could, at a stretch, be considered a third-rate master.

Though only a third-rate master, achieving such feats at his tender age of just over ten years was truly astonishing.

Fortunately, everyone within the sect knew he possessed the Celestial Meridian Physique; otherwise, they would undoubtedly have regarded him as a monster.

While two years was a brief span, it was enough for Shui Jingxuan to thrive within the Demonic Sect.

The inner disciples who started with him no longer idolized Wolf Girl; instead, they all looked to Shui Jingxuan as their leader. Even past disciples treated him with utmost reverence, never daring to show the slightest disrespect.

Shui Jingxuan was deeply valued by Elder Mu, and it was already a consensus within the sect that he would undoubtedly inherit Elder Mu’s mantle.

No one questioned this. However, as for Wolf Girl, ever since her battle with Shui Jingxuan, which resulted in the crippling of his right hand, voices within the sect had risen, questioning her qualifications to serve as the Head Protector.

Ultimately, these dissenting voices were forcefully suppressed by Ji Wushuang, who even executed several garrulous sect members for their remarks.

From that day forward, the already aloof Wolf Girl became even more taciturn, preferring to wander alone like a solitary wolf.

Strangely, despite her general disregard for everyone else, she regarded Shui Jingxuan with particular deference.

Even though Shui Jingxuan did not return her warmth, she would invariably approach him and nod in greeting whenever they met. It seemed the guilt in her heart still lingered, preventing her from finding peace even after so long.

Beyond Wolf Girl, Ji Wushuang likewise found himself preoccupied with Shui Jingxuan.

Missing out on this uniquely gifted child was arguably one of the greatest regrets of his life, a thought that invariably filled him with intense vexation.

Tormented by this recurring annoyance, Ji Wushuang paid exceptional attention to the boy’s growth. Whenever he found leisure, he would invariably go to the training grounds to observe the child practicing his sword.

Over time, this evolved into an unconscious habit. If he did not see the child for three or five days, he would feel a sense of emptiness, as if something vital were missing from his heart.

This day, a refreshing autumn breeze blew, and the sun shone brightly—a perfect day for martial arts practice.

In a secluded corner at the edge of the training grounds, Elder Mu was privately instructing Shui Jingxuan in the Golden Serpent Swordplay. As was his custom, Ji Wushuang arrived punctually, standing to the side to watch.

His twin sister also observed with evident interest.

Witnessing the child’s progress step by step, both of them harbored even greater expectations for him.

Having long grown accustomed to the Sect Master’s frequent presence, Shui Jingxuan and Elder Mu simply ignored them both, huddling together to meticulously dissect and discuss each sword move.

Over the past two years, becoming an inner disciple had improved Shui Jingxuan’s living conditions. Coupled with the growth of his abilities, which continuously tempered his physique, he had grown considerably taller, and his features had become more defined.

Dressed in a white linen robe, standing in the golden sunlight, he resembled a finely polished, top-grade white jade, reflecting a translucent shimmer that was neither dazzling nor blinding, yet inexplicably captivated the gaze.

Ji Wushuang stared at his handsome, tall figure, as straight as a pine or bamboo, for a long time. His expression was dazed, his gaze focused.

The restless, inexpressible agitation that usually plagued his heart every day now settled, becoming as calm as water, a sensation of profound comfort.

“The child has grown taller, and his appearance is becoming even more handsome!” Just as Ji Wushuang was lost in thought, his twin sister suddenly exclaimed, for it was said that twins shared a telepathic connection.

“Mm.” Ji Wushuang snapped back to attention, responding with a low murmur, yet his gaze remained fixed on the child, unwilling to stray.

As the two conversed, Shui Jingxuan and Elder Mu had finished their discussion. Holding his sword in his left hand, Shui Jingxuan slowly moved to an empty space to begin his demonstration.

He assumed his stance, his usually gentle eyes instantly becoming incredibly sharp. The tip of his sword hung naturally before suddenly flicking upward and thrusting diagonally.

In the blink of an eye, sword light swirled around him, glistening with cold radiance. Periodically, bursts of sword energy tore through the air, severing trees around the empty space at their trunks.

Even a half-man-tall mountain rock placed nearby was carved with deep furrows by the sword energy.

Elder Mu and Ji Wushuang continuously flashed and leaped, evading the sword energy. Their expressions were taut, yet their eyes shone brightly.

The child’s comprehension of the Way of the Sword was deepening, and at such a young age, he could already project sword energy with immense power. It was truly both astonishing and delightful.

“Excellent swordplay!” As Shui Jingxuan concluded his movements, Ji Wushuang and his sister exclaimed in unison, while Elder Mu smiled and nodded, his expression thoroughly satisfied.

“Is it truly good?” Shui Jingxuan approached the trio, sword in hand, his brow slightly furrowed. “But I always feel that some transitions in the middle aren’t quite natural, and the flow feels off.”

“Er, this Venerable One thinks it’s excellent.” Ji Wushuang, who lacked deep expertise in the Way of the Sword, heard his question.

Though he desperately wished to answer, he racked his brain for a long while to no avail. He could only offer a sheepish reply, his tone a little stiff.

“Indeed, this Venerable One also believes your swordplay is very well executed, with no discernible flaws. Perhaps you’re overthinking it.” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister pulled her younger brother forward, gently patting Shui Jingxuan’s head to comfort him.

“Is that so?” Shui Jingxuan looked towards Elder Mu. Elder Mu furrowed his brow, recalling his disciple’s movements repeatedly in his mind. He felt there was some truth to what the boy said, yet he couldn’t grasp that elusive feeling.

“It might be an issue with the angles. In the ‘Twin Serpents Snatching Pearls’ move, the sword’s swing is too wide, yet the subsequent ‘Serpent Trapped in Sorrow’ requires an abrupt retraction.

The range of motion exceeds the arm’s control, making it somewhat difficult. It’s natural to feel it’s not smooth; diligent practice in the future will gradually improve it.” After careful analysis, Elder Mu provided a precise answer.

Shui Jingxuan was satisfied. He lowered his head in thought: ‘Since the sword moves don’t transition smoothly and feel awkward to execute, why must I rigidly adhere to the old forms? Why not improve the moves, creating new ones that suit me?’

At this thought, his eyes lit up. He looked at Elder Mu and said, “Master’s analysis is spot-on; the problem lies in the transition between these two moves. Therefore, your disciple wishes to refine the sword moves and requests Master’s guidance.”

Without waiting for Elder Mu’s reaction, he excitedly soared forth, rapidly demonstrating the new moves he had conceived in his mind.

The Golden Serpent Swordplay, renowned for its agility and unpredictability, gained an inexplicable touch of ruthlessness and rigidity with his modifications.

The transitions flowed like water, utterly flawless. Sword energy slashed through the void, striking the nearby mountain rock. The rock vibrated violently, then exploded into fragments with a thunderous roar, its power astonishing.

“Excellent! Superbly modified!” As his disciple ceased his movements, Elder Mu, unable to contain his excitement, clapped his hands and praised him profusely.

Ji Wushuang and his sister were already speechless, utterly shocked by the child’s formidable comprehension.

“To create his own sword moves at eleven years old! Truly my good disciple!” Elder Mu approached his beaming beloved disciple, embracing his shoulder and patting his back, his face radiating so much pride it almost blinded those nearby.

“Master, is there nothing that needs further modification?” Shui Jingxuan dutifully nestled beside Elder Mu, respectfully inquiring.

“No need! With your revisions, this set of Golden Serpent Swordplay can truly be called perfect.” Before Elder Mu could reply, Ji Wushuang’s twin sister interjected, her usually cold and impassive eyes now carrying a hint of a smile.

“Indeed, it is.” Ji Wushuang, for some reason, looked rather grim. He glanced at the master and disciple, who were nestled together, their faces alight with excitement, and waved his hand.

“The newly created moves still require practice. You two may continue. This Venerable One has sect affairs to attend to and shall take my leave.”

“What sect affairs?” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister asked curiously. She didn’t want to leave; she wished to stay and watch a while longer. Observing the child practice his sword had long become one of the great joys in her life.

“If this Venerable One says there are, then there are!” Ji Wushuang glared coldly at his sister, forcefully striding away. Ji Wushuang’s twin sister had no choice but to follow, retreating backward.

Upon returning to their room, Ji Wushuang did not attend to any supposed ‘sect affairs.’

Instead, he pulled out the few sword manuals he possessed and began to study them with intense concentration, tracing and practicing the moves with his index and middle fingers as he read.

“Little brother, are you thinking of taking up the sword now? Isn’t it a bit late?” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister asked, utterly bewildered.

“No, I’m just trying to thoroughly understand swordplay. After seeing the child’s performance today, I suddenly found the Way of the Sword quite interesting.” Ji Wushuang paused, his words evasive.

He couldn’t tell his sister that he simply didn’t want to be unable to answer the child’s questions next time; he didn’t want to see the child turn to others for help; and he certainly didn’t want the child to call anyone else ‘Master’ and share all his joys and sorrows with them.

The intimate, almost peer-like relationship between the child and Elder Mu was something he had never experienced.

With his own disciple, Wolf Girl, all he received was coldness and distance. When he taught Wolf Girl new martial arts, she would only practice silently by herself.

If she didn’t understand something, she would prefer to ponder it alone, practicing hundreds or thousands of times rather than proactively asking him, let alone discussing it with him.

Just now, he had felt envy. Yes, he deeply envied Elder Mu.

‘Damn it! The child should have been my disciple!’

The thought of being sidelined, watching the master and disciple in their intimate bond, filled Ji Wushuang with a surge of irritation.

He slammed the sword manual in his hand onto the table before him, embedding the entire book into the wooden surface.

“Little brother, if you can’t get into it, just stop. I remember you never liked swords since you were young. Do you recall when we first started practicing swordplay?

Our swords kept clashing, and we couldn’t even perform the simplest moves.” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister recalled childhood anecdotes, laughing heartily to herself.

“Have you laughed enough? If so, be quiet! I want to read.” Ji Wushuang glared fiercely at his sister, then forcefully slammed the table again, dislodging the sword manual from the surface. He reopened it and resumed browsing.

Though a hint of his earlier irritation still lingered, the thought that he would be able to instantly provide satisfying answers to the child’s future questions, earning his gratitude and smiles, gradually calmed Ji Wushuang.

He became utterly absorbed in his reading, prompting his sister to frequently cast curious glances his way.

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