Chapter 10: Trial in the Nether Cave

Gu Pinglin was already intimately familiar with the Lingxin Sect's cultivation techniques. In his past life, he had modified and refined them—reversing certain pathways—which allowed him to quickly rise as the sect's rising star, catching Duan Qingming's attention. It was this very ingenuity that had convinced Yue Songting to defy Ming Qingzi's warnings and appoint him as successor.

Indeed, under Gu Pinglin's leadership, the Lingxin Sect had flourished, nearly ascending to first-tier status. Had it not been for Bu Shuhan's death driving him to recklessness—leading to that woman's suicide and the ensuing catastrophe—his contributions to the sect would have rivaled those of its founding patriarch.

Thus, when Gu Pinglin claimed the Lingxin Sect's techniques suited him best, it was no empty boast.

This time, avoiding past detours, he began cultivating with his refined methods from the outset, giving him a significant head start. Coupled with the orthodox divine-grade Creation Art—a gentle, stabilizing technique for physique and meridians—he reached the third layer of Juqi (Gathering Qi) in just one month.

Juqi, the foundation of all cultivation, involved drawing spiritual energy into the body to purge impurities and enable spellcasting. Its nine layers culminated in Nayuan (Energy Storage), where one expanded the dantian to house spiritual energy.

Gu Pinglin smoothly advanced into Nayuan.

Meanwhile, Duan Qingming spent his days in leisure—sleeping past noon, skipping lectures, lounging with books, or wandering with fellow disciples. Initially dismissive, Gu Pinglin grew perplexed upon realizing the man genuinely wasn't cultivating.

How, then, did he become that legendary sword cultivator in our past life?

Had skipping the Xuanming Sect altered his trajectory?

If so, how would Gu Pinglin resolve his obsession?

Beneath windswept pines atop a cliff, Gu Pinglin abandoned his restless meditation. As he stood to leave, a figure sprinted toward him—Bu Shuhan.

Clad in dark blue archer's sleeves, gripping his Lake Echo Sword, his handsome face was taut with poorly concealed tension.

Gu Pinglin recognized the look instantly. "No need to seek the sect leader, Senior Brother Bu."

Bu Shuhan halted mid-stride, landing on a pine branch. "You—how did you know?"

"I heard you clashed with Xuanming Sect disciples?"

"Hmph." Bu Shuhan's sword-like brows arched. "Just teaching some insolent juniors manners."

His tone feigned nonchalance, but unease lurked beneath.

Friction between neighboring sects was inevitable. The Xuanming Sect had always disdained Lingxin, and while Chen Qian tolerated it, the hotheaded Bu Shuhan wouldn't. After injuring two provocateurs, he'd belatedly realized his blunder—Xuanming's elders were notoriously domineering. If they came demanding accountability, the Lingxin Sect would suffer.

Prideful yet honorable, Bu Shuhan had resolved to confess first.

Gu Pinglin, piecing this together, played to his pride: "Why dignify fools' arrogance? Our techniques are unique—given time, Lingxin will surpass Xuanming. Why stoop to their level?"

Bu Shuhan brightened at the jab. "Well said! Those blind fools know nothing!"

"Out of curiosity," Gu Pinglin pressed, "whose disciples were they?"

Bu Shuhan stiffened. "…Disciple of Elder Shutu."

Elder Shutu, one of Xuanming's seven inner-core masters and sect leader Zhan Renjie's junior brother. His mere presence could overwhelm Lingxin.

Gu Pinglin smiled. "Perfect. They'll be too ashamed to report their defeat to someone as strict as him."

Bu Shuhan blinked, then laughed heartily as the epiphany struck. Shutu's notorious pride meant he'd punish his disciples for losing to a "second-rate" sect rather than admit it.

Thrilled at dodging consequences, Bu Shuhan clapped Gu Pinglin's shoulder. "If you ever need help, find me at Liwater Courtyard."

"Actually," Gu Pinglin seized the opening, "I'd like to train in the Nether Cave."

Bu Shuhan's smile vanished. "Absolutely not!"

Flushing at his own abruptness, he coughed sternly. "Sect rules forbid entry below Juqi's second layer. You've barely started—"

"I've met the requirement."

"What? You—already?"

Only after Gu Pinglin demonstrated did Bu Shuhan's shock give way to excitement. "One month? Impressive! Fine, I'll arrange it."

Gu Pinglin withheld his Nayuan breakthrough. "I'd like to bring someone."

Bu Shuhan waved dismissively. "If they qualify, no issue. Meet me at the cave entrance at noon in two days."

The Nether Cave was a common feature of spiritual mountains—a sealed chamber near leyline nodes where malevolent energies were contained for junior disciples' trials. Lingxin's cave lay above an underground spiritual vein.

Though Gu Pinglin had reached Nayuan swiftly, he knew progression grew exponentially harder.

Nayuan focused on dantian expansion—pivotal for cultivation. Its capacity dictated combat endurance, making it a priority. While advancing to Xiao Zhoutian (Minor Celestial Cycle) required only one Nayuan layer, most cultivators pushed to their limits before transitioning.

Of Nayuan's nine layers, few surpassed five. Bu Shuhan, a rare seventh-layer talent, had taken three years. Gu Pinglin's past self had stalled at sixth for four years until the Creation Art nudged him to seventh. As for Duan Qingming—his innate gifts matched Bu Shuhan's. In their past life, he'd likely reached seventh, possibly even the mythical eighth.

Back in their room, Duan Qingming lounged as usual, book in hand.

Gu Pinglin sat cross-legged. "I'm entering the Nether Cave."

Duan Qingming turned a page. "How thrilling."

"Coming?"

"No interest."

"Remember the six-month assessment," Gu Pinglin goaded. "Even a genius stagnating for half a year would disappoint many."

"Their disappointment concerns me… how, exactly?"

"Beating you would concern me even less."

"Then I'll forfeit."

Gu Pinglin strode to his bedside. "Afraid?"

"Resorting to taunts?" Duan Qingming snapped the book shut, grinning. "Now I have to go."

Flipped pages had briefly revealed terms like "alchemy" and "medicinals."

Gu Pinglin hid his relief. So his idleness was a ruse. This man would never settle for mediocrity—even in their past life, he had provoked first.

"Reaching Juqi's second layer so quickly is surprising," Duan Qingming mused, reaching for the Gu Ying Sword.

With his goal secured, Gu Pinglin dropped the pretense of anger. "You've researched the cave's rules. Not as idle as you seemed."

"Naturally. I was waiting for you."

"The two-year gap won't last," Gu Pinglin said. "Stay in Lingxin much longer, and you might not be the one waiting."

"Such confidence." Duan Qingming tapped Gu Pinglin's chin with the scabbard. "I'll await your surpassing, Gu Xiaojiu."

The familiar smirk reignited Gu Pinglin's old frustrations. He batted the sword aside and resumed meditation.

On the appointed day, the pair arrived to find Bu Shuhan arguing with cave guards.

"Bu Shuhan?" Duan Qingming paused. "You convinced him to help?"

Gu Pinglin ignored him, approaching directly.

Noticing them, Bu Shuhan nodded stiffly—until spotting Duan Qingming. His expression darkened.

Unfazed, Duan Qingming clasped his hands in flawless aristocratic etiquette. "Greetings, Senior Brother Bu."

Every gesture exuded impeccable upbringing, leaving no room for reproach.