Chapter Forty-Nine: The Treasure Hunt

The Xuantian Sword Technique was originally created by Yuxu Zi, the founder of the Xuantian Sword Sect. Over generations, successive sect leaders refined it, eventually developing the thirty-six forms practiced today. The first thirty forms serve as the foundation, suitable for outer sect disciples, while the final six forms are the essence of the art, reserved for the inner sect disciples.

This distinction is not out of favoritism; rather, the last six forms are extremely intricate and challenging to master, so they are withheld from outer sect disciples, allowing them to focus on perfecting the first thirty forms, which is sufficient for their level.

Li Sibai had perhaps glimpsed these final six forms before, but since they do not adhere to fixed patterns and each practitioner executes them with subtle differences, he had never paid them particular attention. In today’s duel, He Tianshu, pressed into a corner, was forced to consecutively display the last six forms of the Xuantian Sword Technique and thus claimed victory. Though Li Sibai lost the match, he absorbed the essence of these six forms—a blessing in disguise, as the old saying goes.

Yao Xueqing watched Li Sibai’s cheerful demeanor and found herself sharing his joy. Although he was not yet permitted to learn spells, mastering the six forms required of inner sect disciples would greatly enhance his practical skills.

But after Li Sibai pondered his insights for a while, he came to her seeking another bout, leaving her both amused and exasperated.

“Little Bai, I’ve just taught you—are you already planning to bully your master?”

Li Sibai was momentarily stunned, then quickly caught on.

“Master, I’d never dare! I only wish for your guidance on a few moves, if you would be so kind.” As he spoke, he couldn’t help but laugh—no one would believe his words.

Yao Xueqing feigned a sigh.

“Your swordplay and movement are both excellent, and your true energy is strong—so why is your cultivation stuck? I think you should focus on advancing your cultivation realm; that is the foundation.”

Li Sibai nodded repeatedly at her words. He himself wished to improve his cultivation—if he didn’t reach the Qinxin Realm within half a year, he would be expelled. Such disgrace was something nobody wanted. Yet, he recalled that it was she who had encouraged him to grow through practical combat; now their opinions seemed reversed. Li Sibai smiled bitterly but remained respectful.

“Sister, you are absolutely right. Do you have any good methods to share?”

Yao Xueqing noticed his faint disdain and frowned slightly before answering after some thought.

“What about directly taking Xuantian Jade Purity Pills? Wouldn’t that be faster?”

Li Sibai’s eyes brightened at her suggestion but quickly dimmed again. He shook his head with a wry smile.

“Sister, my constitution is odd—I can’t store much spiritual energy, and my conversion rate is slow. Rapid improvement is difficult. Taking Xuantian Jade Purity Pills is good, but my consumption is high and the conversion is low, so compared to others, I’d need many more pills.”

Yao Xueqing nodded thoughtfully. “You may have the kind of constitution that’s hard to cultivate, but once you do, your power will be extraordinary. That’s why you’re able to match me at the sixth level of the Fengchu Realm. It makes sense.”

Li Sibai didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad at her words, so he could only continue to smile bitterly and hope she had a solution.

Yao Xueqing paused. “Let me talk to Senior He and see if there are any suitable missions. If we complete one, you could earn a large number of Xuantian Jade Purity Pills. That should be enough for you to reach the first level of the Qinxin Realm.”

“What kind of mission? How many pills could we get?” Li Sibai’s spirits lifted and his eyes sparkled.

Yao Xueqing chuckled, “Treasure hunting in the mountains—it might be a long journey and dangerous, but there will definitely be valuable items. How many pills you get depends on the specific mission.”

Li Sibai considered it. “Alright, fortune favors the bold. How do we go? What do we look for? Tell me!”

Yao Xueqing was taken aback, then burst out laughing. “Are you planning to go alone? Are you crazy? These missions are usually on Jade Pearl Peak. With your cultivation, going alone is suicide. Wait for me to ask Senior He. If there’s a mission, we’ll form a team and set out together. Afterwards, we’ll split the spoils evenly.”

Li Sibai’s eyes lit up. “Agreed! No problem. I’ll wait for your good news.”

Yao Xueqing smiled. “I’ll go see what I can find out. These missions aren’t common. Wait for my message—I won’t practice with you today.”

With that, she picked up her sword and went off to find He Tianshu.

She truly did not want to keep sparring with Li Sibai; it was simply too exhausting.

Watching her figure disappear, Li Sibai smiled softly, feeling mostly gratitude.

He shook his head and continued practicing the Xuantian Sword Technique.

The last six forms were wondrous indeed; he never grew tired of them, and each practice brought new discoveries.

The sound of sword cries echoed through the woods, and the leaves continued to fall in silent showers.

...

Three days later, at the entrance of the inner sect on Yuxu Peak, Li Sibai waited early as agreed. In the distance, two men and two women approached, all wearing the deep blue robes of the Xuantian Sword Sect’s inner disciples. Though their attire was identical, it could not hide their handsome faces.

As they drew near, Li Sibai grinned—he knew them all. The men were He Tianshu and Gong Degang; the women were Yao Xueqing and Ye Chunqiao. Clearly, these four often teamed up for missions, so it was only natural that they’d join forces for this one.

Li Sibai greeted them.

Gong Degang and Ye Chunqiao hadn’t seen Li Sibai since their last mission together, and they immediately pulled him into conversation. Yao Xueqing loved the lively atmosphere and joined in as well.

He Tianshu watched them with a smile for a while, then spoke, “Everyone, why don’t we set out early? We can chat on the road—the journey ahead is long.”

The group nodded in agreement. Li Sibai felt a bit embarrassed and hesitant.

The others’ cultivation levels were all higher than his. During the previous mission, he had been a burden, and now, on his first trip to Jade Pearl Peak, he feared he would slow the group down again and still share their Xuantian Jade Purity Pills. It felt awkward.

He Tianshu noticed something was off but didn’t press.

Truthfully, he wasn’t keen on bringing Li Sibai along, but Yao Xueqing insisted on helping him, so He Tianshu agreed for her sake.

Gong Degang and Ye Chunqiao, seeing He Tianshu’s attitude, also refrained from comment.

Thus, the five of them, each with their own motives, set off together.