They can exchange tokens and use eight different names in a single day.
Today's lecture in Xinzizhai is given by another elder from Zhijingtang.
Yue Ying'e.
What is discussed is the combination of more difficult scriptures and techniques with actual methods.
Elder Yue is a humorous and easy-going person. When she preaches, she is patient and persuasive, and the whole dormitory is relaxed and eager to learn when she preaches.
"Having said so much is a waste of breath if you don't practice. Come, which virtuous fellow Daoist would like to volunteer to demonstrate to you how to apply the Seven-Character Mantra of Mountain Opening to your swordsmanship and saber techniques?"
Li Ji immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Elder, this disciple is willing to give it a try."
Yue Ying'e, who was behind the low table, gave him a look of appreciation, beckoned him to come forward, and then casually picked up a yellow talisman from the table, drew a few strokes on it, and pasted it behind Li Ji.
Yan Huanyue quickly picked up her pen and began to sketch and record the spiritual energy that suddenly appeared on Li Ji's body.
First, he used the "Awaken" incantation, channeling his spirit to the Heavenly Gate, then dissipated it, focusing seven-tenths of his energy into the sword. Next, he used the "Fierce" incantation, channeling his spirit to the Heng Palace, then dispersed it, focusing two-tenths of his energy into the sword. Finally, he used the "Shock" incantation, channeling his spirit to the Netherworld, then gathered it, focusing eight-tenths of his energy into the sword...
With a loud "boom," Li Ji swung his longsword sharply, and the sharp sword energy drew a shallow spark at the boundary of the restriction set up by Yue Ying'e.
Li Ji looked at the spark, his expression showing joy, but it was quickly overwhelmed by desolation, and the spiritual energy circulating in his meridians even stopped for a moment.
Yue Ying'e raised her hand to recall the yellow talisman behind him and said with a smile, "Even the mighty mountains are subject to the turbulent waves. Li Ji, in this world, things rise and fall, and the one thing we fear least is time. Don't rush, just do your job well."
The Three Mountains of Knowing Destiny, Knowing Time, and Knowing Myself were said to stand majestically, unscalable, but now they are submerged by the vast ocean. Only when the tide recedes can one see the old silhouettes of the Three Mountains in the distant waves.
Li Ji was a descendant of the people of Tengzhou in the north, a place that suffered the most from the demons since their descent into the world.
Now, half of it has fallen into an insurmountable chasm, and the other half has been occupied by the demon race, divided into the thirty-six continents of the demon realm.
Every surviving resident of Tengzhou instilled in their descendants the belief in reclaiming their homeland, along with the hatred born of blood and tears.
These descendants are scattered across various countries. Those with spiritual roots desperately try to join major sects, while those without spiritual roots actively engage in agriculture, sericulture, commerce, and industry to support the human race's rear.
Li Ji was certainly disappointed with his own decline in cultivation.
In particular, Han Shuangying, who is also a descendant of the Tengzhou people, was the leader of her peers in the spiritual cultivation world when she was young. She has been standing at the top of the Tianyan Sect's Heavenly Stele List for many years. Now, she is not limited to personal cultivation but has chosen to teach many disciples in order to accumulate strength for the battle that will come eventually.
He only joined the Tianyan Sect at the age of twenty-three, and now he is twenty-seven years old and still an outer disciple. What can he do to reclaim his homeland?
Looking at the sword in his hand, Li Ji was not comforted by Yue Ying'e's words. He simply bowed and returned to his seat.
"Sword cultivators, remember to change the positions of the 'Humility' and 'Fierce' spells. For other weapons, apply the same principle and do not change them."
"yes."
After finishing her morning classes, Yan Huanyue had lunch and then went to the Broken Jade Waterfall to review what she had learned that morning several times. She also reviewed what she had learned before.
As she swung her sword, Li Ji entered the blue stone tablet with the disciple's wooden plaque. Based on his familiarity with the list of names on the Heavenly Tablet, he noticed a new name on the tablet: "Re-entering Reincarnation." He wondered who this person was.
In the afternoon, during the Qingyuntai trial, Yan Huanyue fought against Mu Huage and managed to withstand six moves before her vital points were struck.
There has been some progress.
Although still somewhat disheveled.
After listening to Han Shuangying's detailed guidance on the afternoon's sparring, she gained a lot of insight and wrote it all down, preparing to carefully study and improve based on her own strengths and weaknesses.
It wasn't until the afternoon trial ended and she walked out of the trial grounds that she saw Pei Xuanzhi, who was wearing a cloak and waiting near the Fenghe Pavilion.
He bowed to her from afar, which was a sign that he was waiting for her.
When Yan Huanyue approached, he bowed again, then stood solemnly with his cloak pulled up, coughed once, and said in a low voice, "This morning, Senior Brother Yu's parents came from Yunjing. My father sent word that I should come here to wait and ask Senior Sister to go to Changqing Hall to receive the guests."
She was only summoned to Changqing Palace to meet guests after finishing a full day of classes. I wonder if this was considered a slight to the Yu family of Yunjing, who valued their reputation so much.
Yan Huanyue asked, "You came from the library?"
The boy wasn't surprised; he simply looked at her and smiled faintly. "Is it because of those incense plaques hanging in the library?"
Yan Huanyue smiled and said, "Yes, when I was punished before, I was also forced to press incense tablets, so that I was covered in this fragrance. No one suspected that I went to the library. Let's go, don't keep the sect leader waiting."
Pei Xuanzhi followed her toward Changqing Palace, saying very little.
Yan Huanyue asked, "Have you studied Qimen Dunjia before?"
Pei Xuanzhi then knew that she had roughly heard about what was discussed at Mingjian Pavilion today, and replied, "I've read some of it, but I'm not familiar with it."
"That's quite mentally taxing, so remember to balance it with your rest and don't push yourself too hard."
Pei Xuanzhi turned his head and looked down at her, wondering if her getting up so early in the morning and going to the Broken Jade Waterfall at noon could be considered a good balance between work and rest.
But he merely adjusted the cloak straps and replied, "Yes."
Fresh tea and refreshments had been served inside Changqing Hall. Yu Zhao waited with a cold face at the foot of the long steps, watching the figures in mist and indigo slowly walk towards him.
He strode forward, suppressing his accusatory tone, and coldly asked Yan Huanyue, "Did you only find out now that my parents are here?"
Yan Huanyue said, "I found out this morning."
"Then why did you only arrive now!"
"I'm in class. Besides, neither your parents nor you invited me. How am I supposed to know why they've come, and why should I rush to pay my respects?"
"They are elders, and it is only natural for juniors to pay their respects. How can you be so disrespectful..."
Yan Huanyue sneered, "Heh, since your parents know proper etiquette, they have been at the sect for a day now. Have they gone to pay their respects at my parents' graves?"
Yu Zhao looked at her in disbelief. "My parents have just rested after a long journey. They will go to pay their respects in a few days. When did you become so harsh and critical? Do you have to argue with them on everything to get what you want?"
"Alright." Yan Huanyue said impatiently, "If you insist on arguing about these things, it's already impolite of your parents not to go and pay respects to my parents, and it's even more impolite of them not to come and see me in person. Stop making a fuss here, and it's best if you stay away from me."
Yu Zhao was struck dumb, "You..."
Pei Xuanzhi smiled and said politely, "Senior Brother Yu, the elders in the hall are still waiting. As juniors, we shouldn't waste time on that trivial matter you mentioned."
The boy's words seemed to make no mistake, but Yu Zhao still vomited blood. A feeling of frustration rose and fell, making him want to lash out, but he subconsciously knew that if he really did, Pei Xuanzhi would probably be even more pleased.
But after Pei Xuanzhi and Yan Huanyue had already taken a few steps, Yu Zhao belatedly realized how he should refute them.
Insignificant? What do you mean insignificant? Is the reputation of his parents insignificant in Pei Xuan's eyes?
But it's too late to refute it now.
As soon as Yan Huanyue stepped into Changqing Palace, Madam Zhang, Yu Zhao's mother, burst into tears. She rose to greet her, took her hand, looked at her with teary eyes, and uttered a suppressed, sorrowful sob.
"Baoying, you've really grown up. I've always been looking forward to you visiting Yunjing, but why haven't you come yet? Are you resentful about our place?"
That would be a serious offense.
Yan Huanyue smiled politely and said, "I did want to go, but you didn't invite me, and Senior Brother Yu didn't want to take me. How could I be so presumptuous?"
Madam Zhang's fair hands stiffened, and even the light on the crimson spirit stone ring on her finger seemed to freeze.
In just a moment, her tears streamed down her face like pearls from a broken string, landing on Yan Huanyue's hands. She seemed to be truly heartbroken.
"I've asked Twelve Lang to bring you back to visit many times in the past, so I can personally take care of you for a few days."
But he cared for you, and always said he was afraid you'd be heartbroken if you went to Yunjing, so it would be better for you to come back for your wedding. With the joyous occasion, you wouldn't be too sad. That's why I didn't dare send anyone to invite you. If I had known you wanted to go too, I would have come myself to take you back.”
Yan Huanyue looked at the woman, who still looked as elegant as ever, with a calm expression. In her previous life, after she arrived in Yunjing, this woman stayed at home for many days and did not come out to see her, saying that she was afraid of being saddened if she saw her.
Now, however, they're concerned about whether she's hurt or not.
A plain handkerchief was handed over, and a clear voice casually comforted her, "Auntie, don't be too sad. Your makeup is ruined from crying. Wipe it off."
Madam Zhang quickly wiped away the tears on her face, released Yan Huanyue's hand, took the plain handkerchief and gently wiped her cheeks, her eyes red as she looked at the boy who was still wearing a cloak and hood beside her.
With skin as thin as porcelain and eyes shimmering like spring water, she truly was a seemingly innocent yet alluring enchanting child.
His features resembled his father's, but not entirely. His body was already in such a state due to his serious illness; if he were not so ill, one wonders what color he would be.
It truly is a calamity that can bring disaster to an entire generation. It is a blessing for him to be able to pick up what Shierlang doesn't want.
Madam Zhang's gaze then passed over Pei Xuanzhi and landed on the dashing and dignified Yu Zhao, her proudest son. Her heart softened a little.
She subtly withdrew her gaze, looked up at Pei Xuanzhi, who was considerably taller than her, and said while wiping away her tears:
"Alas, this must be Xuanzhi. He is truly a rare beauty. Your sister Yan is so righteous and willingly gave herself to you. Our Yu family is unworthy of such a person. You..."
As she spoke, she covered her face with her handkerchief, lowered her head, and shed tears, which dripped onto the edge of her embroidered shoes, making sure not to let them slide over the powder on her face.
Sitting in the guest seat, Yu Jisong looked up and bowed to Pei Hanzhou, who was seated in the head chair, and said with considerable emotion:
"Senior, please don't blame me. My wife has always been soft-hearted and temperamental. She cried several times on the way here because of your young master's return and because of Huanyue's loyalty. In the end, it is our Yu family that is unfortunate."
Pei Hanzhou sat quietly in the head seat, his hands forming the Meridian Seal. His expression was cold, and his tone was icy as he said, "The Yu family is unlucky? I think the Yu family is the luckiest. Tell your wife to sit down. Are you here to cry or to discuss something?"
Yu Jisong looked somewhat embarrassed and coughed heavily. Madam Zhang, who was standing next to Pei Xuanzhi and crying sadly, immediately returned to her seat, sobbing.
Sitting in the side chair, Xu Fengqiu had a headache. His senior brother, the sect leader, was always like that; he was not easy to offend or talk to.
However, the Yu couple were quite something. Their senior brother had clearly sent a letter asking them for a reply, but instead, they rushed over with boxes and boxes of gifts, as if they were afraid that something might change if they arrived late.
He glanced at his second senior brother, Yin Shu, who was calmly drinking tea to the side. Seeing that the other man was watching from the sidelines, it was clear that he had no intention of saying anything.
He could only bite the bullet and break the awkward silence by saying to the three younger people, "Please sit down, please sit down, have some snacks."
"yes."
Pei Xuanzhi and Yan Huanyue sat at the last two seats in the accompanying seats, while Yu Zhao sat at the last seat in the guest seats, with the three of them facing each other.
Pei Hanzhou confirmed the annulment of the engagement with the Yu couple in front of her, and Yu Jisong also took the opportunity to explain the current situation in Yunjing to him.
Yan Huanyue had spent a long time at the Broken Jade Waterfall and then spent the afternoon at the training ground, so she was already starving.
She hadn't brought any fasting pills with her today, and fearing her stomach would rumble if she didn't eat something, she took a piece of pastry and ate it slowly.
Once you start eating, you can't stop.
Aside from bowing at the beginning, Pei Xuanzhi remained silent throughout, sitting next to Yan Huanyue.
He would cough once or twice from time to time, and Yan Huanyue, who was bored, would always turn her head to look at him because of this.
At the moment when she looked at Pei Xuanzhi with great concern, Yu Zhao, sitting opposite her, felt a sudden emptiness in her heart.
He realized that something seemed to be gradually slipping away from his grasp, and the feeling of losing something became more and more real.
He used to be the person she cared about most.
Three years ago, he was injured by a demon and returned to his sect to recuperate. Apart from attending classes, she spent all her remaining time by his side.
She would get his medicine and bring him food, and find many storybooks to read to him while sitting by his bedside.
Every day, she would snuggle up to his pillow and whisper in his ear, "Senior Brother Yu, when will you recover? If you die, I'll send you back to Yunjing, okay?"
He remembered that he would lie alone in bed every day, enduring the torment of the remaining poison in his wounds, and would unconsciously look forward to the light footsteps of his fiancée running across the blue bricks in the courtyard.
She would always call out anxiously from outside the door, "Senior Brother Yu! I've come to see you!"
He had promised her that he would take her to visit Yunjing once he recovered, but only today did he suddenly remember the promise he made by her bedside.
Why did I forget?
Have you gotten used to not caring about her anymore?
He stared blankly at Yan Huanyue. The girl's originally gentle and obedient eyes had somehow developed a resolute and clear look, which made him feel a sense of panic.
He hadn't spoken to her properly in a long time, nor had he spent time with her for far too long. He was oblivious to her changes and hadn't been involved in them.
The boy beside her was quietly placing his snack plate next to her and then moving her empty plate onto his own table.
Yu Zhao realized that everything he had previously ignored was becoming clearer and clearer. He thought he didn't care, but everything he had experienced since childhood seemed to have seeped into his very bones.
She was like flesh and blood that was gradually peeled away from him, forcibly pulled and torn off his body.
Yu Zhao suddenly felt suffocated; everything around him was so noisy, boring, and irritating.
He could barely breathe. He watched as she gave the sickly boy a bright smile in gratitude, and he couldn't help but call out, "Huan Yue!"
The hall fell silent instantly. Madam Zhang's sobbing and wailing stopped abruptly, and through her handkerchief, she shot him a piercing glare.
Everyone else looked at him too.
In the silence, the boy coughed twice, covering his mouth with his sleeve.
The gold embroidery on the edges of the sleeves of his snow-white robe inside his cloak reflected intricate golden light, falling on Yan Huanyue's profile.
His two coughs were like a small pebble thrown into the cold, white silence, breaking open a gaping hole in the rigid, lifeless atmosphere.
But Yu Zhao couldn't help but wonder: What is he trying to say? What gives him the right to cough at this time?
Yu Zhao keenly realized that he felt a certain disgust for this frail young man; without him, none of this would have happened.
What about repaying a debt of gratitude? What about all this high-sounding rhetoric?
Pei Xuanzhi shamelessly used his physical weakness to steal another man's wife, and he was alluring and ingratiating towards Huanyue, wagging his tail so hard it was almost broken, yet he still pretended to be a carefree and serene person with no desires.
Absolutely...shameless...
From his high position, Pei Hanzhou asked calmly, "Zhao'er, what is it?"
Yu Zhao looked at the crimson protective spirit incantation between Yan Huanyue's eyebrows. He remembered that he had promised to reinforce it with his blood, but he still didn't add another layer for her.
He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "I want to say... snacks are hard to digest, so drinking some tea is good for the spleen and stomach."
Yan Huanyue wiped her hands. "Oh."
Pei Hanzhou's tone softened slightly, "Xuanlang, give your prepared things to your sister Yue."
Pei Xuanzhi took out a brocade box from his treasure pouch, stood up, and handed it to Yan Huanyue with both hands. "Sister Yue, this is a token I prepared."
Yan Huanyue stood up, took the box, opened it, and saw a white jade pendant engraved with two wild geese.
She took out a brand-new silver-sheathed hidden knife from her treasure pouch and handed it to him. "This was made in the shape of my natal sword. I'm giving it to you as a keepsake. You can tie it to your sleeve. It's easy to carry. Even if the treasure pouch isn't with you, you won't be without something to protect yourself."
Yu Zhao looked at the silver-sheathed hidden knife in Pei Xuanzhi's hand, which was gleaming with the light of the setting sun.
He remembered that Huanyue had made this knife when she read him a storybook. She liked the knife that a character in the storybook had, and she had saved up money for a long time to have it made.
For this purpose, a pair of silver bracelets and a pair of armlets worn in childhood were melted down...
These are clearly their memories, yet she so easily gave them to someone else.
Madam Zhang said loudly, "We have brought a special gift for you. May you two live in harmony and be of one heart and mind, so that Sect Leader Pei can be at ease."
Pei Hanzhou's expression softened slightly, and he said, "Huanyue, I have prepared some things in the west hall. Take them with you and lead Xuanlang to Qiaoran Valley to pay respects to your parents."
"yes."
Quiet Valley was difficult to traverse, and she couldn't carry anyone on her sword, but Junior Brother Pei would have to go there sooner or later, so she wasn't too worried.
But when he almost fell off the mountain path into the valley for the third time, Yan Huanyue ignored his refusals, took out a long sword from her treasure pouch, held it horizontally beside her, grabbed his waist, picked him up, and placed him on the scabbard.
He smiled and said to him, "My natal sword has a strange temper. It won't let anyone step on it. It has overturned me several times. I can only use this sword to travel far."
Pei Xuanzhi sat on the sword sheath with his feet dangling in the air. The hem of his snow-white robe and the bottom of his cloak rippled gently and leisurely beside his cloud-patterned shoes, like the receding tide at dusk.
He covered his mouth and coughed for a while before saying in a hoarse voice, "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister Yan."
Yan Huanyue looked at the twilight shadows in his eyes, reached out to help him put on his hood, smiled slightly, and said, "You can change your name eight times a day."
She turned to face the setting sun and walked forward, her misty pink spring dress ethereal like clouds and smoke.
The boy sitting on the sword sheath gently pulled his indigo cloak over himself, and, drawn by her spiritual power, silently floated beside her.
He quietly followed her, bathed in the brilliant afterglow of the setting sun, as they descended together to the bottom of the valley.
-----------------------
Author's note: ①妖童: a beautiful young man; a man who sells his looks.
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 12:27:30 on October 28, 2023 and 23:44:38 on October 29, 2023!
Thank you to the little angels who threw the landmines: Dr. Wang from the mental hospital (3 in total);
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Countless Lemons 20 bottles; Reading Books 10,000 11 bottles; Zanbaobei, Melody, Zhouman's Sword Bone, and shineyale 1 bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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