Kapitel 19: Chapter 19: Crisis and Calculations
With the formalities of apprenticeship settled, Zhu Yuxian finally smiled. "Since you've entered my tutelage, follow me to Yuxian Peak to begin your training. If you have any questions, feel free to consult me anytime."
Lu Chengfeng hesitated before replying, "Master, I've recently married, and I still have responsibilities at Bixiao Peak. It would be difficult to leave them all behind."
"Please allow me to remain at Bixiao Peak for the time being. I will come to you for guidance whenever I encounter difficulties."
Zhu Yuxian's eyes sparkled with mischief as she studied him. "So, I hear you've married your master's widow?"
Before he could respond, she laughed, a sultry sound that seemed to echo around the room as she moved closer, her figure wrapped in a sheer black dress. Her lithe body swayed gracefully, each movement exuding a tantalizing allure.
"Tell me, are you a romantic fool or just…infatuated?"
Her slender, jade-like finger traced lightly across his forehead, leaving a chill that sent a shiver down his spine.
"Master, you misunderstand. I… she…"
"Enough. Your personal affairs don't concern me," Zhu Yuxian's expression turned cold, her smile vanishing in an instant. "I'll give you three days to settle any unfinished business."
"After that, report to Yuxian Peak to officially begin your training. I'll teach you that ultimate technique then."
With a swirl of her waist, she vanished, leaving only a lingering fragrance in the air.
Once Zhu Yuxian had left, Lu Chengfeng exhaled a long breath, realizing that his back was soaked with cold sweat.
"Brother, I knew you'd end up joining me under the same master," Zhou Tong, who had been quietly observing, wiped the sweat from his forehead with a wry smile. "From now on, we're true sect brothers."
Lu Chengfeng gave him a sharp look. "Brother, you didn't bring me into this to 'share the honor.' You wanted someone to help bear the burden of our master's… power."
Zhou Tong laughed, masking his discomfort. "Now, don't think that. I just knew Master would want to pass on her late husband's legacy to someone with talent like yours."
A hint of sadness crept into his voice. "I've spent years trying to master her late husband's legacy, but I've barely scratched the surface. My progress has been pitiful."
"I hope you'll succeed where I have failed and carry on his legacy."
Lu Chengfeng shook his head, sighing. "You have too much faith in me. If even you haven't managed to master it, how can I?"
Zhou Tong patted his shoulder. "Just try your best. I believe you'll succeed."
Lu Chengfeng could only smile wryly, wondering where Zhou Tong got such confidence. With a final word, they agreed to meet in three days at Yuxian Peak and parted ways.
As Lu Chengfeng headed back toward Bixiao Peak alone, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. A chill ran down his spine, as though he were being watched.
It was only after he stepped onto the grounds of Bixiao Peak that the sensation eased.
"Who was that…?"
He hadn't looked back once, keeping his expression calm, but his heart felt cold. The weight of danger hung over him.
"How bold are these infiltrators? Has the Yun Cang Sword Sect really allowed so many traitors to run amok?"
Frustration swelled within him. If his strength were greater, he'd have drawn his sword and struck down the shadow following him without hesitation. But as it stood, he could only bear the tension and bide his time.
"The sect's situation feels increasingly precarious," he thought, his steps slowing as he neared his destination. "Zhu Yuxian is highly suspicious. Her late husband was poised to become the sect leader before he was ambushed. If there isn't some hidden scheme there, I'd be surprised."
"Could his death truly be unrelated to her? If it is, then she's as treacherous as a venomous serpent."
"With unclear origins, a connection to Zhao Changzhen, and other clandestine dealings, who knows what else she's involved in?"
"By entering her tutelage, I'm venturing straight into a tiger's den. A single misstep, and I'll be destroyed."
Lu Chengfeng knew better than to think his talent alone would safeguard him. Any elder could end his life as easily as snuffing out a candle.
"I have to grow stronger, quickly."
His eyes hardened. "With Zhao Changzhen's legacy mostly absorbed, I see two paths to power in the short term."
"The first is to cultivate the Six Suns Seizing Yin, a dual cultivation technique to rapidly increase my internal power and cover my current weaknesses, thus boosting the might of the Bixiao Sword Art."
"The reason Zhao Changzhen chose Su Yi was because her physique is particularly suited for dual cultivation, far more beneficial than that of a hundred ordinary virgins."
"Though she has not trained in martial arts, Su Yi has been practicing the Golden Silken Jade Body Art, refining herself as an ideal dual cultivation vessel. By consummating our marriage, I could see a dramatic rise in my own strength."
"With Zhao Changzhen's accumulated experience in the Azure Sea and Sky Internal Arts, utilizing Su Yi's potential as a cultivation vessel might allow me to break through to the tenth level of internal arts mastery."
"Once my inner power reaches that level, my sword aura will be enhanced accordingly."
Resolute, Lu Chengfeng made his decision. He wasn't one to adhere strictly to vows, not when seizing an opportunity to become stronger was within reach.
"Su Yi…"
Thinking of his beautiful wife, he felt a surge of heat. "Forgive me, but the current situation leaves me no choice. I'll make it up to you."
Being a decisive man, he set his plan. "Tonight, I'll take what's mine and bring Su Yi into the fold. Then, I'll cherish her all the more."
"After all, I have only three days before I must go to Yuxian Peak. Who knows what might happen? I must do everything possible to improve my strength."
"In addition…"
Lowering his gaze, his expression grew cold and calculating. "Zhu Yuxian has her own schemes against me. But perhaps… I could turn the tables."
"If I can maneuver things so that we have the status of husband and wife, even if only in name, I might gain access to her late husband's teachings."
"Her late husband was a prodigious talent, surpassing ordinary elders. If I could obtain his legacy, my strength would skyrocket, perhaps enough to rival the power of an elder."
"With such strength, I'd have room to maneuver…"
"If successful… Zhu Yuxian, the prey might just become the predator."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein