Chapter 39: The Lucky One, Fifth Layer Realm
Before dusk, Li Qingqiu gathered all the disciples together to announce that Jiang Zhaoxia would be forming the Thirteen Sword Fiends.
The news made the disciples extremely excited, all of them gazing at Jiang Zhaoxia with eager anticipation.
This man was the strongest in the Clear Sky Sect, ranked second in the martial world.
To train under him would surely lead to great accomplishments.
Moreover, Thirteen Sword Fiends sounded formidable.
At present, only the Seven Sons of Clear Sky had earned a name for themselves.
Now that another group with such a striking title was to be formed, how could the disciples not look forward to it?
Li Qingqiu watched Jiang Zhaoxia select his people.
When Jiang had chosen twelve, Li Qingqiu suddenly spoke, pointing to a disciple and saying, “Third Junior Brother, give the last spot to him.”
The disciple he pointed to was named Xue Jin, sixteen years old.
His looks were plain, his stature unremarkable, and standing among the crowd, he was easy to overlook.
Being pointed at by Li Qingqiu, Xue Jin froze on the spot.
He subconsciously looked around, thinking the Sect Master must be referring to someone before or behind him.
Jiang Zhaoxia frowned slightly as he looked at Xue Jin.
He had no impression of the boy; by appearance alone, he didn’t seem to be promising material.
Seeing his doubt, Li Qingqiu smiled and continued, “I can sense that his potential is limitless. In the future, he will be a good helper to you.”
Xue Jin was the only new disciple whose Cultivation Aptitude and Comprehension had both reached the “Good” grade.
Since joining, his loyalty had risen quickly, so Li Qingqiu was at ease recommending him.
The phrase “Good” might not compare to Xu Ning or Jiang Zhaoxia’s natural talent, yet within the Clear Sky Sect, it absolutely counted as genius-level aptitude.
The twelve disciples Jiang Zhaoxia had chosen himself were all inferior to Xue Jin in this regard.
Hearing Li Qingqiu’s words, Xue Jin felt both thrilled and moved, almost brought to tears.
The Sect Master had actually noticed him?
Standing nearby, Yang Jueding, Cheng Canghai, and Li Sifeng also looked curiously at Xue Jin.
It was rare for Li Qingqiu to praise a disciple so highly.
With Xu Ning’s precedent, everyone couldn’t help but have expectations.
Could it be that this boy was truly extraordinary?
Jiang Zhaoxia relented and said, “Since Senior Brother says so, then I shall believe him.”
He crooked a finger at Xue Jin, signaling him to step forward.
Then, taking his chosen Thirteen Sword Fiends, he departed.
Those who were not chosen felt a bit disappointed, yet also filled with anticipation — wondering how great an achievement the Thirteen Sword Fiends would attain in the future.
Li Qingqiu dismissed the disciples, and at that moment, Li Sifeng came up to him, grinning.
“Second Senior Brother has the Seven Sons of Clear Sky, and Third Senior Brother now has the Thirteen Sword Fiends. Can I form one too?”
Li Qingqiu glanced at him and asked, “What would you call it?”
“The Nine Ghosts of Clear Sky! How about that?”
“Doesn’t sound good. Think again.”
Li Qingqiu rolled his eyes and started walking toward the mountain gate.
Li Sifeng immediately chased after him, pestering him relentlessly.
Though Li Qingqiu didn’t agree, Li Sifeng’s words gave him inspiration.
If each junior brother and sister led their own disciples and passed them down through the generations, wouldn’t that form a hierarchical structure of power?
Wu Man’er was not suited to taking disciples, and Li Sifeng was far too mischievous — also unsuitable.
Li Qingqiu decided to let Li Dongyue and Li Sijin each select a group of disciples.
Li Dongyue’s Ghostly Immortal Needle of Rejuvenation came with healing arts; even without vital energy, it could deepen her understanding of meridians and blood flow.
In time, she could help treat disciples and those who sought medical aid from the sect.
Li Sijin could teach talisman crafting.
Even if they were not true cultivation talismans, they could still be sold for profit.
There were plenty of mortals who sought peace of mind.
Once the Clear Sky Sect’s reputation spread, it would surely attract them.
Having made his decision, that same night Li Qingqiu called for Li Dongyue to discuss the matter.
She was delighted.
She had long wanted to do this but had feared Li Qingqiu would forbid the passing down of the Ghostly Immortal Needle of Rejuvenation.
……
The next morning, Li Dongyue began selecting disciples.
The commotion was smaller than Jiang Zhaoxia’s, but it still stirred discussions among the others.
In the end, Li Dongyue chose nine disciples — seven female and two male.
As for Li Sijin, she did not wish to be troubled for now, saying she would wait two years before taking disciples.
Li Qingqiu had no objections; as long as she had her own plans, he would support her.
That same day, Zhang Yuchun led a group down the mountain — not only Huang Shan and Yu Lin this time, but all Seven Sons of Clear Sky went together for training.
Li Qingqiu, worried for their safety, sent Li Sifeng to accompany them.
Zhang Yuchun’s martial strength was not great, and in times like these, Li Qingqiu couldn’t help but worry.
Half a month later, Zhang Yuchun and the others returned — this time bringing back twenty-three new disciples.
The number of Clear Sky Sect disciples thus surpassed eighty!
Li Qingqiu personally met with the new recruits, offered some encouragement, then asked Li Dongyue to arrange their accommodations.
In the past year, several new courtyards had been built beneath the new compound.
Though simple, they were enough to house everyone.
Li Qingqiu opened the Dao Lineage panel for inspection.
None had exceptional cultivation aptitude or comprehension, but one disciple’s Fate Trait stood out.
【Lucky One: Always prone to good fortune throughout life】
This disciple was named Bai Ning’er, only thirteen years old — small, thin, dark-skinned, easily lost amid the crowd.
Lucky One.
Such a vague concept — it could mean boundless potential or nothing at all.
After all, Bai Ning’er’s aptitude and comprehension were both average.
He would have to observe for a while.
Li Qingqiu merely glanced at Bai Ning’er, giving no special treatment or inquiry to Zhang Yuchun about him.
With twenty-three new disciples, the labor burden in various construction and industrial works eased considerably under Zhang Yuchun’s management.
Snow fell heavily, blanketing the mountains in white.
On one snowy peak, Li Qingqiu and Qin Ye sat in meditation side by side, the falling snow scattered by the spiritual energy around them.
Qin Ye slowly opened his eyes and said with emotion, “Master, this Primordial Unity Scripture is truly profound, and it fits perfectly with my Ten Directions Demon-Subduing Staff Technique.
Even just simulating it in my mind has brought many insights.”
It was rare for him to cultivate with his Master, and he felt genuinely happy.
He could sense that his Master was becoming more and more approachable toward him.
“You are still at the First Layer. Only when you reach the Second Layer can you truly bring out the power of the Ten Directions Demon-Subduing Staff.”
Li Qingqiu spoke with his eyes still closed.
Qin Ye nodded, though inwardly he felt that reaching the Second Layer would be very difficult — perhaps it would take years.
“Do you wish to avenge Wu Baoyu?” Li Qingqiu suddenly asked.
Qin Ye was stunned.
His face darkened as he clenched his teeth.
“Senior Wu died too miserably. I must clear his name and avenge him.”
“To clear his name is fine — he did pass on his legacy to you. But to avenge him — don’t you think you might be overstepping?” Li Qingqiu’s tone remained calm.
Qin Ye turned to look at him, disbelief in his eyes.
He couldn’t understand why his Master would speak so harshly.
Li Qingqiu continued, “Did Senior Wu ever tell you to avenge him?”
“No, but he must have feared I couldn’t do it…”
“Do you remember what he said when he taught you his arts?”
“He said many things. I remember them all.”
“Then tell me — what did he value more: vengeance or the peace of the realm?”
“This…”
Qin Ye suddenly didn’t know how to answer, for Wu Baoyu had once told him that he hoped he would join the army to protect the Great Li Dynasty.
“Do you understand what would happen if you killed the emperor?” Li Qingqiu pressed.
Qin Ye’s face shifted from red to pale.
Though still young, he understood the consequence — if the emperor died, the world would surely fall into chaos.
“I will not stop you from seeking revenge,” Li Qingqiu said slowly, “but think carefully — what did Senior Wu truly pass on to you? His martial skills, or his spirit? There are many ways to avenge someone. I only hope you will put the people of the world above all else, and only then speak of vengeance.”
Li Qingqiu’s tone was earnest and weighty.
From beginning to end, he never opened his eyes.
Qin Ye fell into deep thought.
Li Qingqiu felt that the role of a Master was heavy — it shouldn’t be limited to passing on skills.
While Qin Ye was still young and untested by the world, he had to correct his disciple’s outlook before he strayed down a dangerous path.
After a while, Qin Ye looked up at him and asked curiously, “Master, does the Clear Sky Sect practice martial arts with the duty of protecting the world?”
When Xi Niang had killed herself, Li Qingqiu’s words had been cold.
Many disciples had discussed it in private.
Qin Ye had remembered, and thus had always thought his Master wasn’t a man of benevolence.
“The world is vast — such a goal is too lofty,” Li Qingqiu said.
“But the Clear Sky Sect will protect those who stand by us. The villagers at the foot of the mountain — they help build our sect, till our fields, and bring us food. Shouldn’t we protect them in return?As the Clear Sky Sect grows stronger, there will be more who support us. If one day the entire world stands behind us, then we will protect the world.”
Li Qingqiu’s words made Qin Ye’s heart suddenly clear.
The path of the Clear Sky Sect became distinct in his mind.
Self-strengthening without losing righteousness; valuing one’s own interest without forgetting gratitude.
The resentment that had long weighed in Qin Ye’s chest began to disperse.
He realized how foolish he had been, failing to understand Wu Baoyu’s will and letting himself be consumed by hatred.
Looking back, he found himself estranged from his five Qin Family brothers, and even from other disciples.
As the Sect Master’s direct disciple, he should not be like this.
While Li Qingqiu was teaching Qin Ye, Jiang Zhaoxia was doing the same — not merely passing down sword techniques but also instilling the ideals of the Thirteen Sword Fiends.
He wanted them to always put the Clear Sky Sect’s interests first, to eliminate all threats against it.
That winter was colder than usual, but the hearts of the Clear Sky Sect disciples burned hotter than ever — filled with fighting spirit.
……
After the New Year, when the festive mood of the Clear Sky Sect had yet to fade, Li Qingqiu welcomed a joyous event — he had successfully broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm!
Yet he told no one.
He planned to remain in the shadows and only act in times of true crisis, letting others appear as the visible pillars of strength.
Upon reaching the Fifth Layer, his vital energy doubled.
He finally understood what martial artists meant by “profound inner power.”
Now, when casting techniques, he no longer needed to conserve energy as before.
After the New Year, Li Dongyue’s medical practice opened its doors.
A wealthy merchant arrived with his daughter, seeking treatment.
The girl had fallen ill with a strange disease that no famous doctor had been able to cure.
Her illness recurred frequently.
Upon hearing that the Clear Sky Sect could heal even difficult ailments, the merchant came in hope of a miracle.