Chapter 49 – All members are injured
Recently, there have been quite a few incidents at Divine Sword Peak, leading to numerous rumors spreading across the other peaks.
But rumors, as they go, tend to become more and more exaggerated.
"Have you heard? Many disciples at Divine Sword Peak are having issues with their cultivation."
"What? Are the Divine Sword Peak disciples having psychological problems?"
"Divine Sword Peak disciples have a preference for men?"
On the main peak, many disciples were gossiping as they walked, while the Divine Sword Peak disciples who were also present looked puzzled upon hearing these words.
When did we ever like men, damn it?
They turned angrily, wanting to shout back, but were held back by their companions.
"Ignore it, let's go choose some spells first."
"Yes, yes, spells are the most important. I haven't been able to get a spot for two days."
On the main peak, disciples from various peaks were present, but distinguishing Divine Sword Peak disciples was simple—just look for those with injuries.
Anyone with injuries was a Divine Sword Peak disciple.
Nobody knew why, but recently, every person from Divine Sword Peak had injuries. Who knew what they were up to?
At first, the other disciples were puzzled. Was there really any danger within the sect?
The response they got was that it was due to sparring.
"Those people from Divine Sword Peak are too ruthless. How can sparring lead to this?"
"I told you, there's something wrong with the Divine Sword Peak disciples."
"I'm telling you, there are three fixed brawls every day at Divine Sword Peak. Nobody knows what they're up to."
"I've heard that too. Apparently, Divine Sword Peak disciples are especially combative."
"Exactly, if they don't fight every day, they seem uncomfortable."
"Stay away from them, or you might get dragged into a sparring match."
Seeing the Divine Sword Peak disciples, other disciples from various peaks would avoid them, fearing they'd be targeted by these lunatics.
But the Divine Sword Peak disciples didn't care about these looks. A bunch of ignorant fools, how could they understand Junior Brother Changqing's skills?
Not only the disciples, but even the stewards at the Spell Hall felt a headache when they saw the Divine Sword Peak disciples.
The place Divine Sword Peak disciples frequented most recently was undoubtedly the Spell Hall.
There was no choice. Without enough strength, they couldn't secure food. All the Divine Sword Peak disciples were desperately trying to become stronger, and practicing spells was the most direct and effective method.
"Why are you here again?"
Looking at the two Divine Sword Peak disciples in front of him, their hands still wrapped in bandages, the steward guarding the Spell Hall asked in frustration.
They were just here three days ago.
In response, the two disciples replied.
"We want to choose a sword technique."
"I want to choose an agility technique."
Here to learn spells again? What's with these Divine Sword Peak disciples? Are they giving up on the sect points they've painstakingly accumulated? Are they not planning for the future?
"Don't bite off more than you can chew. Cultivation requires steady progress, one step at a time."
The steward advised earnestly. Sect points had many uses, spending them all on spells wasn't a wise choice.
Moreover, saving some sect points could be useful in emergencies.
But the two Divine Sword Peak disciples completely ignored the steward's advice. What nonsense about steady progress, they just wanted to eat now.
If they couldn't eat, what was the point of saving sect points?
"Thank you for your kind advice, but we've made up our minds."
"Alright, suit yourselves."
If they wanted to learn, and had enough sect points, and it didn't violate the rules, the steward couldn't forcibly stop them.
Successfully entering the Spell Hall and selecting satisfactory spells, the two Divine Sword Peak disciples returned to Divine Sword Peak excitedly, then practiced day and night.
"Hmph, once I master this Sun-Piercing Sword Technique, I'll definitely secure a spot next time."
On the training ground, the two disciples practiced with injuries, and it wasn't just them. The originally spacious training ground was now bustling with people.
Moreover, every disciple had injuries, but none of them cared.
Not just the disciples, even the stewards of Divine Sword Peak's Steward Hall were practicing madly.
The entire Steward Hall was no longer quiet as before, filled only with the sounds of cultivation.
One by one, the stewards practiced in the courtyard of the Steward Hall.
"Damn Xu Jie, he's been targeting me for three days straight. Does he really think I'm an easy target? Once I master the Azure Hand, I'll definitely teach him a lesson next time."
The cultivation atmosphere throughout Divine Sword Peak was extremely intense.
On this day, at the foot of Divine Sword Peak, an old man and a young girl were walking slowly.
The old man had white hair but a youthful face, wearing a blue robe, while the girl beside him had twin ponytails, looking about seventeen or eighteen, her eyes full of innocence, happily asking the old man questions.
"Master, why are we visiting Divine Sword Peak?"
"To see an old friend."
"Oh, is it Senior Hongzun, the Peak Master of Divine Sword Peak?"
"Yes."
"Master, who do you think is stronger, me or the Divine Sword Peak disciples?"
"Ordinary disciples are definitely not as strong as you, but a few of the direct disciples are stronger."
"I see."
"That's normal. You haven't been cultivating for long, but in terms of talent, you're not inferior to them."
"Are the Divine Sword Peak disciples very diligent in their cultivation?"
"Of course, it's the number one immortal sect in the Eastern Continent. Any Dao Yi Sect disciple placed outside would be considered outstanding."
"That's amazing. Can I stay at Divine Sword Peak to cultivate?"
"What, you don't want to follow me anymore?"
"Master can stay too."
"You little girl, I'm used to a carefree life and won't join any sect."
The old man, named Qingshi, was an old friend of Hongzun and a well-known strongman throughout the Eastern Continent, though he was just a rogue cultivator who had never joined any sect.
As for the girl, she was Qingshi's only disciple, named Wang Yao.
As they spoke, the two had already reached Divine Sword Peak. At the mountain gate, two disciples responsible for guarding were sparring.
Seeing the two disciples who didn't forget to practice even while guarding the gate, Wang Yao said admiringly.
"Master was right, the Divine Sword Peak disciples are really diligent in their cultivation. They don't forget to practice even here, and they're all injured too."
But hearing this, Qingshi frowned slightly.
This wasn't his first time at Divine Sword Peak. Being close friends with Hongzun, Qingshi had visited Divine Sword Peak many times.
He was quite familiar with Divine Sword Peak.
But these two disciples seemed a bit exaggerated. Guarding the gate was usually done in shifts, and generally, when it was their turn to guard, they wouldn't practice.
But now, these two disciples didn't even spare this time, and they were injured yet still working so hard. Were the Divine Sword Peak disciples always this diligent?
Something felt strange, but Qingshi didn't say much, stepping forward. Meanwhile, the two disciples noticed Qingshi and his disciple, immediately stopping and stepping forward to greet them.
"What brings you two to Divine Sword Peak?"