Chapter 50 – Abnormal
After revealing their identities and intentions, Qingshi and his disciple were allowed to pass through.
The two of them entered Divine Sword Peak through the mountain gate and began ascending the steps towards the summit.
However, as they climbed, the ground suddenly began to tremble.
"Master."
Little Wang Yao felt the tremor and turned to Qingshi with a puzzled look, while Qingshi frowned slightly.
It was the sound of many people running. What was happening?
Before long, a black torrent rushed towards them from the end of their line of sight. As it approached, they realized it was a group of disciples from Divine Sword Peak.
Pulling Wang Yao aside, they watched as the disciples sprinted past, chasing each other in a frenzy. Qingshi was puzzled.
"What's going on?"
It was unusual for so many disciples from Divine Sword Peak to be rushing down the mountain like this.
Moreover, what was even stranger was that each disciple was injured and shouting.
"Don't push me!"
"Watch my Glimmering Steps."
"Are you really showing off those entry-level Glimmering Steps? Let me show you how it's done."
"Trying to leave? Have you asked me? Watch my sword."
As they ran, some disciples couldn't resist attacking, and soon they were fighting as they ran.
"Master, are they sparring?"
Watching the chaotic scene, little Wang Yao asked in confusion. Qingshi's mouth twitched as he replied uncertainly.
"Probably."
It did look like sparring, but who sparred while running, and why did they all seem to have the same goal?
The bizarre behavior of the disciples left Qingshi scratching his head.
But it wasn't over yet. Soon, figures appeared in the sky.
Inner Sect disciples, stewards, and even elders were streaking across the sky.
Moreover, these stewards were also attacking each other, engaged in battle.
Various techniques were being launched at one another.
This scene left Qingshi dumbfounded. Something was off with Divine Sword Peak. What was going on?
It was one thing for the disciples to spar, but why were the stewards fighting too, and where were those elders rushing off to?
No one paid attention to Qingshi and his disciple as the disciples rushed past them, not sparing them a glance.
It was meal time, and no one had the time to worry about anything else. It was all about grabbing a spot.
Watching the disciples run past, little Wang Yao curiously asked.
"Master, have the Divine Sword Peak disciples always cultivated like this? It seems so harsh, and look, they're all injured."
This time Qingshi didn't know how to answer. Before? Divine Sword Peak was never like this.
These disciples seemed possessed.
It was truly strange. Shaking his head, Qingshi decided not to dwell on it. He'd just ask Hongzun when they met.
After the disciples had passed, Qingshi continued towards the summit with Wang Yao.
Outside the kitchen, another battle was unsurprisingly underway.
The disciples didn't waste words; they simply started fighting upon meeting.
In just a few days, whether menial, outer, or inner sect disciples, everyone's skills had noticeably improved.
Their cultivation levels might not have seen significant breakthroughs due to the short time, but their technique usage had clearly advanced, becoming faster, more precise, and more ruthless, greatly enhancing their combat abilities.
"Junior Brother, you need more practice with your Sun-Piercing Sword Technique. Step aside."
Two inner sect disciples were fiercely battling, using the same sword technique. However, one had only reached minor success, while the other had achieved major success.
Unsurprisingly, the disciple was struck by a sword and failed to compete.
His face was full of unwillingness.
"Damn it, you've reached major success?"
"That's right, so today's meal is mine."
He was furious, secretly vowing to push himself to quickly achieve major success with the Sun-Piercing Sword Technique.
The battle was intense, and after a fierce fight, the disciples who secured spots lined up according to their teams.
Meanwhile, Ye Changqing had prepared the meals.
Each disciple was covered in blood, but no one cared at this moment, eagerly waiting for the meal to start.
"Great, Junior Brother Changqing's cooking has improved again."
"The effects are stronger than before. I feel like my injuries are healing faster."
The disciples devoured their meals like ravenous wolves, as if eating slowly would mean losing their share.
After finishing their meals, the disciples skillfully washed their bowls and cleaned up before leaving one by one.
As they left, they didn't forget to boast to their companions who hadn't secured a spot.
"Junior Brother, I'm telling you, today's stir-fried pork was even better than before. Too bad you missed it."
"I'm satisfied. Being able to eat Junior Brother Changqing's meals every day, I feel like I have no other desires."
"I've eaten for three consecutive days. Ah, such a life is both blissful and boring."
Hearing these words, the disciples who hadn't secured a spot ground their teeth in frustration. Just wait, next time I'll knock you down with a single sword strike and let you watch me eat.
After sending off the disciples, Ye Changqing habitually opened his personal panel.
[Host: Ye Changqing.]
[Identity: Dao Yi Sect Menial Disciple.]
[Cultivation Level: Meridian Surge Realm Entry (86351/100000)]
[Techniques: Mind-Illumination Technique, Perfect (10000/10000)]
[Skills: Shadow Blade, Perfect (10000/10000)]
[Seven Star Steps, Perfect (10000/10000)]
[Spirit Wall, Major Success (8657/30000)]
[Prestige: Reputation Emerging.]
[Talent: Mid-Grade Mid-Level (48365/50000)]
[Constitution: Mid-Grade Upper-Level (3016/70000)]
[Comprehension: Upper-Grade Mid-Level (79995/100000)]
His cultivation level hadn't improved, but both Shadow Blade and Seven Star Steps were perfected, and his constitution had broken through to mid-grade upper-level.
This speed was already impressive, considering it had only been a few days.
"Not bad."
After resting for a while, Ye Changqing began his daily cultivation practice.
Meanwhile, returning to his residence from the kitchen, Hongzun spotted Qingshi and his disciple from afar.
"What brings you here, old man?"
"Just passing by, thought I'd check on you."
The two were familiar with each other, speaking without reservation. Inviting them into his cave abode, Qingshi curiously asked.
"Where did you just go?"
When they arrived, Hongzun wasn't there. Not only Hongzun, but the entire mountain summit area was empty. The elders weren't there, and several direct disciples were absent. It seemed only Zhao Zhengping's cave abode was occupied.
But the cave abode was sealed, likely in seclusion, so Qingshi didn't disturb him.
With no one around, Qingshi casually asked out of curiosity. However, upon hearing this, Hongzun hesitated and replied somewhat evasively.
"Nowhere, just wandered around."
Instinctively, he wanted to conceal Ye Changqing's existence, but Qingshi clearly didn't believe him. They were old friends, and he could easily tell if the old drunkard was lying.