Chapter 79: The Early-Death White Moonlight in a Cultivation Novel (Part 10)

When True Monarch Chongyuan happily shared the good news with Zhou Yanxi, she couldn't help feeling a bit melancholy—mainly because she was worried about her silly dad and what he might've had to give up for her sake.

So she asked tactfully,"Dad, did you… do something to convince the Elder Guardian to agree?"

Hearing his daughter hit the nail on the head, True Monarch Chongyuan's ears flushed red, but he stubbornly insisted,"You're overthinking it. Come on, don't you know who your dad is? Finding you a blade master is nothing! When I step in, it's like two people working at once!"

After saying that, he even puffed out his chest in exaggerated bravado.

Watching her father's ears turn red, Zhou Yanxi didn't call him out. After all, he had humbled himself and begged someone for her sake.

Truly, only parents in the world would treat you with such unconditional love. At times, she really did envy those children who were cherished by their families.

But now, with her missions, she could at least experience a sliver of that love—it made up for her own regrets in life, somewhat.

Then, True Monarch Chongyuan began rambling on and on about the Dao Lord of Blade Rhythm's quirks and taboos:Don't be late.His training is extremely rigorous—do not give up halfway.If he asks you your understanding of the blade, you must answer seriously...

At this point, True Monarch Chongyuan had completely transformed into a nagging parent, lecturing her endlessly. Zhou Yanxi didn't dare relax—this was, after all, tied directly to her future strength.

After bidding farewell to her father, Zhou Yanxi let out a long breath. Honestly, her dad had nagged for an entire hour (that's two hours in modern terms), and her ears were still ringing.

Based on what her father said, Zhou Yanxi couldn't help suspecting there was some deeper connection between her dad and the Blade Rhythm Dao Lord. But he hadn't said anything concrete.

In truth, True Monarch Chongyuan hadn't told Zhou Yanxi the whole story because he didn't want her to feel pressured. Technically, the Dao Lord of Blade Rhythm was her great martial uncle in seniority.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Zhou Yanxi cast a cleansing spell and flew over to the library's entrance early to wait.

She clearly remembered that the Dao Lord of Blade Rhythm hated tardiness. And since this was her first day, she absolutely couldn't mess it up—otherwise, her father's efforts would've been in vain.

Inside, the Dao Lord had sensed her arrival the moment she stepped foot on the grounds—but since this was a test, the trial had already begun.

So he let her wait outside for two full hours.

Zhou Yanxi, after waiting for the time it takes one incense stick to burn, already suspected this might be part of the test.

Without hesitation, she pulled out a Grade 4 Isolation Formation Disk, sat cross-legged on the spot, and began cultivating.

She figured—since he was doing this on purpose, she shouldn't just wait passively. She might as well make use of the time.

Watching this through his divine sense, the Dao Lord's lips curled up slightly. He thought, This girl is clever—not some stiff little blockhead. Maybe she really is worth teaching.

An hour later, he finally emerged from the inner chamber in a grand display, walking on air and settling into his usual reclining chair outside.

Even with the barrier up, Zhou Yanxi had left a thread of divine sense outside to remain alert. As soon as she sensed his arrival, she quickly put away the formation disk, approached, and gave a deep bow.

Before she could complete the disciple's formal salute, the Dao Lord gently lifted her up with a breeze technique and said,"You're not my disciple yet. No need for such formalities."

Zhou Yanxi responded respectfully,"Understood, Senior. I'll be more mindful in the future."

Her years of "workplace" experience told her: when dealing with someone like this, never argue—just agree and follow their lead.

Seeing her obedient attitude, the Dao Lord's stern expression softened slightly.

"Girl, since you want to learn my blade techniques, you'll need to pass the three trials I've set. If you fail even one, not even the Heavens can plead your case."

Zhou Yanxi immediately accepted. She wasn't stupid—if she failed, she'd be kicked out, plain and simple.

"First trial is simple. Just tell me your understanding of the blade."

Though this question seemed easy, it actually tested her comprehension and insight into blade cultivation.

Zhou Yanxi answered,"I believe the blade stands equal to the sword. To me, the blade represents a forward charge—open, forceful, capable of both attack and defense…"

This honest and balanced view won her points. Had she claimed that blades were superior to swords from the start, the Dao Lord might've grown suspicious. But by saying they were equal, she showed thoughtful judgment, which impressed him.

His tone softened."That rascal Chongyuan said you've practiced basic blade techniques for a few months. Let me see them."

Zhou Yanxi complied and performed her routine, then looked up, awaiting his evaluation with anticipation.

The Dao Lord's response?"Truly hard to describe… Your technique is proficient—but that's all. You've mastered the moves, but there's no trace of blade intent. I'll give you one month. Go train under the waterfall at Luoxia Peak. If you can't grasp the blade's essence in that time, best pack your things and leave."

So Zhou Yanxi began her harsh new training.

At first, the force of the waterfall made even standing beneath it difficult—let alone practicing techniques.

But Zhou Yanxi understood: this wasn't just a challenge; it was an opportunity. The Dao Lord hadn't even bothered giving her a specific daily quota, which meant he didn't believe she'd succeed and had zero expectations.

From day one, Zhou Yanxi simply camped under the waterfall. Since no one ever came here, it was the perfect place to train in peace.

Yes, you heard right—she trained every single day beneath the waterfall, draining her spiritual energy completely, then meditating to recover, and repeating the process.

Despite her tireless efforts, by the 28th day, she still hadn't touched on true blade intent. She could now wield the blade steadily under the waterfall, but the essence—the spirit of the blade—eluded her.

As the deadline approached, Zhou Yanxi grew increasingly anxious. But she knew that such a mindset was detrimental to cultivation.

So she sat cross-legged and began reflecting on the first question the Dao Lord had asked:"What is a blade?"

She spent the whole night meditating on it without practicing.

All this time, she'd only used the blade in broad, sweeping strikes—but never thought to adapt it to her environment, to shift from defense to offense, from passivity to initiative.

So she began absentmindedly moving the blade, and slowly—she discovered her own blade intent:To strike lethally from the shadows, a single fatal blow.

Everything she did was naturally perceived by the Dao Lord, who watched from afar. His opinion of the girl changed. The prejudice he once held was replaced with newfound appreciation for her comprehension and talent.

In the end, he gave her a final trial:Take the blade he gave her, disguise herself as a rogue cultivator, and enter the once-every-five-years Shuangzi Secret Realm.

She must return with a spirit beast stronger than herself, killed only using that blade. No other weapons, no help. The beast's body must show no other marks besides blade wounds, and the entire battle must be recorded with a shadow crystal.

And with that, Zhou Yanxi embarked on her very first adventure into a secret realm.