...
Seven Treasure Glazed Sect, built amidst the mountains, as one of the guardian deities and senior elders of the sect, Chen Xin naturally had an extraordinary residence, occupying a mountain peak all to himself.
And the name of this mountain peak was also remarkably domineering, called the Divine Sword Peak.
As the current number one swordsman on the Douluo Continent, only he, Sword Douluo, dared to give such a name.
The Divine Sword Peak was the highest mountain peak within the sect, with an imposing presence like a rainbow, its shape resembling a sword that soared into the sky. Clouds lingered around the mountainside, and with just a glance, one couldn't see its pinnacle, as if it were touching the heavens.
At the top of the Divine Sword Peak, a little girl held a long sword that was not commensurate with her height. With slender legs firmly planted, she continuously practiced her sword swings, up and down.
The girl wore a white moon robe, and her shoulder-length brown hair was tied into a small ponytail at the back of her head, giving her a somewhat heroic appearance. Sweat dripped from her wheat-colored face, but her eyes revealed a resolute expression. Her back was straight as a rod, and each swing of her sword was exceptionally powerful and precise.
The girl repeatedly performed the sword swings, unaware of how many times she had done so, for nearly twenty minutes before stopping her movements.
Exhaling a long breath, Yan Que put her sword back into its scabbard and took out a water bottle. Without any trace of femininity, she poured a large gulp of water into her mouth and then splashed some on her face, washing away the sweat.
Immediately, Yan Que felt much fresher, cooling down her heated body.
After stretching her limbs, she found a cool spot and sat down to rest.
Yan Que had been in the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect for a year now. When she first arrived in this unfamiliar place, she was quite afraid. However, her Master's master, Grandpa Sword, treated her very well, as did the elders in the sect. This made Yan Que experience the long-lost love of a family, and her guard gradually relaxed, considering the sect as another home.
But what she missed the most was the person who had pulled her out of the dark abyss, the person she respected and admired the most—her master, Zeng Yi.
It had been a year since she arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect. Even when her master was not by her side, Yan Que strictly demanded herself to practice the teachings every day. Although her Martial Spirit was not a sword Martial Spirit, practicing the way of the sword improved her mental state and strength, not just physical fitness. Her cultivation speed had also significantly increased.
After a year of cultivation, Yan Que had progressed from the initial 12th rank spirit power to the current 17th rank, a four-rank improvement in one year. Moreover, she had claimed the top position on the White Spirit Ranking, a competition for one-ring spirit masters within the sect.
Nowadays, her name spread throughout the sect, and people said she was a rising star of tomorrow, destined to become renowned in the entire spirit master world.
A gentle breeze brushed Yan Que's seemingly childish face, but her bright eyes revealed a maturity beyond her age.
Yan Que placed the sword her master had given her across her legs. Her small hands gently stroked the chilly scabbard, feeling the sword intent and temperature, her eyes shimmering with longing.
"Master, have I lived up to your expectations with my achievements?"
"Master, if you knew about Yan Que's current performance, would you be happy?"
"Master, I miss you so much."
Looking at the sword her master had given her, Yan Que's eyes couldn't help but redden, and tears welled up, seemingly about to fall.
Suddenly, Yan Que felt her head being covered by a large hand, mercilessly playing with her hair.
"Why are you sitting alone here like a fool?"
Caught off guard by this attack, Yan Que was stunned. Just as she was about to retaliate, a familiar voice sounded in her ears, instantly freezing her body like a thunderbolt.
Yan Que could hardly believe her ears; it was her master's voice, warm and unforgettable.
For a moment, Yan Que seemed to have forgotten about the hand that was messing up her hair. She stood up mechanically from the stone stool, her body turning as if driven by a machine.
"Long time no see, little Yan Que."
Yan Que looked at the person standing in front of her, that familiar face still adorned with the same smile, bright and warm like the sun.
Unable to contain her emotions, Yan Que's eyes turned teary and tears started rolling down her reddened eyes, as if they would fall the next moment.
"Master!"
In the end, Yan Que couldn't resist the excited emotions in her heart, and her tears flowed as she leaped into the person's embrace.
"Waaah~ Master, you're finally back, waaah~"
"Waaah~, Yan Que really missed you, Master, waaah~"
Zeng Yi looked somewhat helpless as Yan Que cried her heart out in his embrace, but he chose not to console her, allowing her to vent her emotions.
Two minutes passed like this before Yan Que's crying turned into sobbing.
"Done crying?" Seeing her crying stop, Zeng Yi couldn't help but tease.
Yan Que released her grip on her master's waist, lifted her head from his chest, her eyes still reddened, tears shimmering inside.
Hearing Zeng Yi's teasing, Yan Que's tearful eyes revealed a touch of embarrassment.
Seeing his chest soaked by her tears, Yan Que hastily said in a choked voice "Sorry, Master, I dirtied your clothes."
Yan Que's anxious appearance, due to staining his clothes, caused her eyes to become moist again. It seemed like she was about to cry once more.
Seeing her like this, Zeng Yi couldn't help but find it amusing. "It's been so long, and you still haven't changed this crying habit, huh?"
Saying so, Zeng Yi squatted down and looked at Yan Que's tearful face, unable to resist extending his hand, gently wiping away the tears hanging on the corner of her eyes.
"Tears, they are good things that can wash away bitterness and sorrow when they flow. Now you're still young, so if you feel like crying, just cry your heart out. But when you grow up, you will realize that in life, there are immense sorrows that even tears can't wash away. There are unforgettable pains that make you want to cry but can't shed a tear.
That's why truly strong people, the more they feel like crying, the louder they laugh. Carrying pain and sorrow within them, they move forward even with these burdens."
After finishing his words, Zeng Yi laughed and placed his large hand on top of Yan Que's small head, saying "Today, let's practice how to smile properly. Laugh for your master right now."
"Mmm~" Yan Que nodded with a choked voice, wiped her tears with her sleeve, and then grinned at her master, her mouth opening into a smile.
"Hahaha, what an ugly smile."