Chapter 22 Changtian Realm
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After reading it, Pei Jing pondered with a thoughtful expression.
In the past, Chen Xu had given advice, suggesting he find a companion, but he playfully declined.
Having spent several months at Yinghui Peak without any progress, he started thinking about the practicality of the matter. Enduring emotional hardships might be a way to experience the world. However, after contemplating for a while, he shook his head.
Seeking a romantic relationship for a purpose was unfair to the other person, but being straightforward about it would be even more absurd, right? “My master wants me to simplify my life and experience various emotions and desires in the world. I thought that being in a relationship with you might lead to some personal growth. What do you think?”
Pei Jing thought for a moment and burst into laughter. What could he do? It was unlikely that anyone would be willing.
Fate and marriage were not something that could be forced. They relied on chance encounters.
Slowly loosening his grip on the rice paper, allowing it to roll back into the pile of scrolls, Pei Jing had another task to accomplish at Celestial Pavilion today. Using his spiritual awareness, he slowly wrote the three characters “Thousand-Faced Woman” on a piece of paper. He was only partially aware of the happenings in Tianyan City. In a place like Celestial Pavilion, filled with diverse individuals, he wondered if there might be secluded experts who possessed more knowledge.
Despite his Master’s repeated reminders, Pei Jing believed that someday he would visit Tianyan City.
His eyes followed the paper upward. Inside Celestial Pavilion, there was an ocean of books, with shimmering golden light.
Pei Jing’s heart gradually calmed down.
Stepping out of his retreat, he returned to Yinghui Peak. It was a day of rest, so the disciples were immersed in deep cultivation. After all, the decisive battle that would determine their path was not far away. Even among the Outer Seventy-Two Peaks, there were distinctions between higher, middle, and lower levels. If they could shine in this battle, perhaps the Gold Core Elders from the Outer Peaks would take notice and accept them as direct disciples.
One day after the noon class, Pei Jing asked Chu Junyu about his future plans and which Outer Peak he wished to join. He had initially expected Chu Junyu to reply casually or simply remain silent, but to his surprise, Chu Junyu lowered his gaze for a few seconds and said, “What about Tianqian Peak?”
Pei Jing was caught off guard, almost swallowing the candy in his mouth. He held his neck for a moment, recovering his composure. He wore a mix of surprise and amusement on his face. “Are you crazy? Tianqian Peak is where the Sect Master resides. Do you want to become a disciple of the Sect Master?”
Chu Junyu lowered his head, flipping through the pages of a book, and responded with a simple “Hmm.”
Pei Jing: “Yunxiao’s Sect Master only takes one disciple in his lifetime. Even if he were to make an exception for you, Pei Yuzhi wouldn’t agree.”
Chu Junyu: “It’s not his concern.”
Pei Jing raised an eyebrow and said, “How is it not his concern?” Even if our master were to accept you against all odds, I wouldn’t acknowledge you as my junior fellow disciple.
With his head bowed, Chu Junyu’s light-colored eyes were beautifully pure in the light, but beneath their surface was a layer of icy detachment. He spoke calmly, “If possible, I don’t want to see him in this lifetime.”
Pei Jing was startled, “Why?”
Chu Junyu lowered his gaze, his youthful face pale and transparent, and he had long, slender eyelashes. His tone was extremely cold, “Idiotic.”
Pei Jing: “…”
He truly wished to see Chu Junyu’s expression when he finally learned about his true identity.
Sharing the same room and table, he and Chu Junyu appeared remarkably close to outsiders. Chu Junyu held a special position within Yinghui Peak, like an extraordinary flower atop a high peak, commanding unwavering respect and awe from others who could only admire him from afar.
Naturally, Pei Jing, who was close to him, also gained an unusual status, although in a different manner. Apart from being labeled as a nepo baby, he now bore the additional burden of being seen as an opportunist.
When Xu Jing quietly broached these matters, Pei Jing had only one reaction, “Do you all have so much free time?”
Xu Jing: “…I specifically paid attention to conversations about you and tried to explain, but they wouldn’t listen.”
Pei Jing patted his shoulder. “If they’re concerned, let them know to be cautious during the secret trials before the major competition.”
Xu Jing: “Why?”
Pei Jing: “Because within the secret trials, there are no repercussions for beating up fellow disciples.”
Xu Jing: “…”
The regulations of Yunxiao remained strict and unchanging.
To be chosen by the sect, one had to cross the suspension bridge. Newly admitted disciples spent a year studying at Yinghui Peak, and even after that, they had to undergo the secret trials before the Outer Peaks Grand Competition. These were fixed and unbending rules.
The secret trials were held within Yunxiao itself, in what was known as Changtian. It was said to be a cave left by the ancestor, Yunxiao Daoren, before his ascension. It was a place of ever-shifting landscapes and abundant treasures. Most disciples had only one chance in their lifetime to enter Changtian, and that opportunity was now—when they first entered Yunxiao and left Yinghui Peak for the Outer Peaks.
The significance of the Changtian realm varied from person to person. Some found great opportunities within, while others simply enjoyed the scenery. Pei Jing vividly remembered his first entry into Changtian, where he accidentally stumbled upon a secluded valley and unexpectedly encountered the spirit of the ancestor. He had encountered Yunxiao twice Daoren—once on the suspension bridge and once in the Changtian realm. One could say that he was the chosen inheritor designated by the ancestor.
Before their departure, the Elders advised them, “The Changtian realm, left behind by our ancestor, does not harbor vicious beasts or unknown dangers. It is a safe place for all of you. Entering the realm grants you an opportunity, nothing more. If you find something valuable, everyone will be delighted. If not, there is no need to be disheartened. Along your path of cultivation, you will encounter numerous realms, and opportunities will always present themselves.”
The Changtian realm was nestled beside Wuji Peak.
It was the foremost peak of Yunxiao.
They perched atop the cloud cranes.
For many disciples, it was their first time entering the Inner Peaks. They saw the expanse of radiant hues, as one ray after another traversed the mountain ridges, prompting astonished exclamations. A person pointed toward the sun, standing at the heart of Yunxiao on the towering and steep peak, and exclaimed, “That is Tianqian Peak!”
The disciples on the Yunhe cranes simultaneously looked up, their eyes brimming with excitement and astonishment as the sunlight streamed into their gaze.
From a distance, Tianqian Peak resembled an unsheathed sword, its summit bathed in sunlight, similar to a delicate layer of snow.
Pei Jing still remembered Chu Junyu’s words from that day. Despite the kid’s rude language, he genuinely treated him, Zhang Yiming, well. There was gratitude and a sense of connection. Pei Jing turned his head and said to him, “Look, Tianqian Peak.”
Chu Junyu sat quietly, bowing his head and using a cloth to wipe his long sword. “Hmm,” he replied calmly.
Pei Jing raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that the place you wanted to go? Why are you being so indifferent?”
However, as he approached, his attention was immediately drawn to the sword in Chu Junyu’s hand. The blade was clear and gleaming, as white as autumn frost, with a faint hue of red radiance. Unlike Chu Junyu’s overall coldness, it resembled a graceful and refined woman’s sword, exuding a gentle and enchanting aura, like shimmering autumn water.
Pei Jing, who had always believed that a sword reflected its wielder, was momentarily stunned.
Chu Junyu seldom used his sword in Pei Jing’s presence, so he hadn’t paid much attention to it. However, from his few encounters, Chu Junyu’s sword strikes were always sharp and ferocious, accompanied by a brutal atmosphere, contrasting with the appearance of this sword.
He leaned in closer.
After Chu Junyu finished wiping the sword, he raised his head, and the tip of his nose barely brushed against Pei Jing’s lips.
It felt slightly cool, resembling a snowflake landing on his lips.
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