"Xiao An," Shu Lan turned her gaze to Kong Xiang, "Look, others have come to apologize to you, and he didn't do it on purpose, so please forgive him."

"Okay, fine." Qin An nodded, then turned to Kong Xiang and said calmly, "It's alright, I forgive you." For the sake of his master brother.

"Really? Thank you. Thank you for forgiving me. If you ever need any help in the future, you can come to me." Kong Xiang breathed a sigh of relief, bowed to Qin An and Shu Lan, and then turned and left.

In the days that followed, Qin An continued to work with that sword, getting to know it better. He named the sword Changhong (Long Rainbow).

Qin An practiced swordsmanship day after day, and his swordsmanship became more and more proficient.

On this day, Venerable Lieyang came to Tinglan Peak to find Shulan. He informed him that the new disciple competition would begin in early May and asked Qin An to prepare.

"Master, is there anything special about this new disciple competition?" Qin An asked Shu Lan as soon as Venerable Lieyang left.

"This new disciple competition is nothing special; it's still a competition where disciples spar and test their skills. The only difference is that all participants are newly recruited disciples. However..." Shu Lan put down her teacup, "If you get into the top ten in the new disciple competition, you can get the opportunity to enter the Sword Tomb."

"Sword Tomb?" Qin An asked with some curiosity.

"The Sword Tomb is formed by the natal spirit swords left behind by the powerful figures of the Star River Sect after they ascended or fell, which accumulated over time in a certain mountain tomb."

"Disciples who are granted the opportunity to enter the Sword Tomb can then enter and retrieve their own natal spirit sword." Shu Lan refilled the teacup with fresh tea and handed one to Qin An.

Qin An took the teacup. "But I already have the Rainbow Sword that my master gave me. I don't need to search for my own natal spirit sword anymore."

"Don't underestimate this sword tomb. In this sword tomb, there are not only spirit swords of the same quality as the Rainbow Sword in your hand, but also swords of divine quality." Shu Lan stretched out a finger and tapped Qin An's forehead.

A god-tier sword?!

"That's right, it's a god-quality sword. All god-quality swords have developed sentience, and some can even cultivate sword spirits. God-quality swords all possess their own thoughts, and each one is a force to be reckoned with."

"So, Master Brother wants me to participate in the Grand Competition, make it into the top ten, and then enter the Sword Tomb to obtain the Divine Sword?"

"No, it's not that I'm forcing you to get the divine sword. But if you can make it into the top ten, it's a very valuable opportunity, isn't it?" Shu Lan gently rubbed Qin An's head. "I only hope that you can protect yourself well when the time comes. Just do your best."

"Okay, I understand." Qin An narrowed his eyes and nuzzled his head against Shu Lan's hand. "I will definitely work hard." He wouldn't let his master brother down; he was determined to be in the top ten, enter the Sword Tomb, and obtain the divine sword.

Next, Qin An focused entirely on preparing for the new disciple competition. He practiced swordsmanship day after day, frequently seeking guidance from Shu Lan. He also didn't slack off in his magical studies, often asking Shu Lan for instruction. In his remaining time, he continued to delve into formations.

Days passed quickly, and it was soon early May, when the grand competition for new disciples was about to begin. Qin An had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Early that morning, Qin An jumped out of bed. After a quick wash, he saw Shu Lan beckoning to him.

Qin An obediently went over as instructed. However, Shu Lan grabbed Qin An's hand, led him to the mirror, and made him sit down in front of it.

Shu Lan took out a comb, preparing to tie Qin An's hair up. "Today is the first day of the competition, so you must participate with a neat and energetic appearance."

Qin An sat obediently, letting Shu Lan comb his hair. Looking at Shu Lan's reflection in the mirror, her eyes slightly lowered as she intently combed his hair, Qin An was stunned. His heart began to beat a little faster.

Shu Lan gently brushed her hand past Qin An's ear, and Qin An felt a slight heat in the area where she touched him, as if it were about to catch fire.

Shu Lan took out a dark blue hairband she usually wore and tied Qin An's hair into a high ponytail. The boy in the mirror looked radiant, his still-developing phoenix eyes slightly rounded, giving him a lively and spirited appearance.

"Alright," Shu Lan whispered in Qin An's ear, her warm breath spraying onto Qin An's left ear. Qin An jolted, sprang up quickly, and took a step or two back.

"My Xiao An is so handsome." Shu Lan didn't notice Qin An's little gesture. She just looked at Qin An with admiration, her eyes full of affection.

"Mmm," Qin An responded softly, trying to lower the temperature on his ears.

"Alright, let's go." Shu Lan took Qin An's small hand and flew with him on a sword to the venue of the freshman competition.

Shu Lan escorted Qin An to the waiting area where the disciples were, telling him to wait a moment while they drew lots. She then went to see Venerable Lieyang and the sect leader.

"Greetings, Senior Brother." Shu Lan bowed to Venerable Lieyang.

"Hmm." Venerable Lieyang beckoned to Shu Lan, who then stepped forward. Venerable Lieyang grabbed Shu Lan's wrist and led him to a chair next to him. These two chairs were located at the very top of the platform.

"Junior brother, you've come to see your disciple's performance, haven't you?" After Shu Lan took her seat, Venerable Lieyang asked her with a smile.

"Yes, that's right." Shu Lan nodded.

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