Peng Yuefeng's discussion with his disciples ended and they all began to study the Six Meridians Demon Blight sword style on their own.
His challenge to them was to learn as much of this new sword style in thirty minutes. They would then display their understanding of Six Meridians Demon Blight. The one who managed to learn the most would be the winner and be rewarded with a sizable amount of sect contribution points or some personal training time with their master.
"Sect contribution points? Are they valuable?" Chen Wentian asked.
He knew about such points from Glacier Palace and Divine Blazing Mountain but was curious about how the Tower of Swords operated.
"They are more valuable than even spiritual crystals, at least in the Tower of Swords!" Peng Yuefeng explained, "All disciples can obtain a small number of contribution points through various methods. They can get them for cultivation breakthroughs, completing difficult missions, or performing various meritorious deeds. These points can be exchanged for special rewards that are not available in the outside world, not even with spiritual crystals. Certain elixirs and pills are only available to the Tower of Swords. Time inside a cultivation tower to speed up their progress. Fine swords made by genius swordsmiths raised within the sect that aren't sold anywhere else. And even personal instruction from me!"
"Personal instruction time, even your core disciples need points for that?" Chen Wentian asked.
"Yes, but they are for normal disciples as well. It gives every disciple in the sect a chance to learn from me if they amass enough contribution points. Core disciples also don't get a free pass to my time. It is impossible for an immortal master to spend all day with his disciples." Peng Yuefeng answered.
The way the two of them managed their sects was the complete opposite. He always knew that he spoiled his disciples, a little too much. He had never thought about just how lucky they had it compared to other immortal sects.
Peng Yuefeng's core disciples rarely got a chance to receive his teachings. Meanwhile, Chen Wentian often spent all day and all night with one or more of his disciples. The day would be spent in practice and cultivation and, at night, that practice and cultivation would continue in bed…
"Sounds like a hassle. I certainly can't be bothered with a disciple." Chen Wentian said.
"It really doesn't take much time. Most days, I don't even see anyone and just cultivate myself. You will be their master. They are not babies and you don't have to be their parent. Lin Huzhong, I can tell that you are a person that values freedom and the ability to do whatever you want whenever you want. But remember this, having a disciple is about leaving behind your legacy. Otherwise, when your lifespan reaches the end, there will be nothing left and your accomplishments will accompany you to the grave."
"Hmph, then I will simply breakthrough to the Spirit King Realm. Then I won't need any disciples." Chen Wentian boasted.
The elder swordmaster snorted with laughter, "Spoken like a true cultivator!"
"Master, we are ready!" One of the disciples said, interrupting the conversation.
"Good!" Peng Yuefeng said, "Each of you will perform what you have learned from the Six Meridians Demon Blight sword art for us. As the honored guest and impartial judge, Immortal Sword Bandit Lin Huzhong will determine who has mastered his creation the best. Since you are my best disciples, don't disappoint me!"
"Yes, master!"
"Peng Shuya, you are the most senior, you are first!"
The tallest disciple stepped forward. His facial features were chiseled and sharp though his actual age was in the early forties. He was at the third lesser realm of Spiritual Awakening and could be considered talented among the disciples of any immortal sect.
Peng Shuya stopped briefly and turned back to his fellow disciples, "Watch closely and learn. I, Peng Shuya, will prove why I am the senior brother today. Hahaha!"
This earned him several snide remarks from the others.
Unperturbed, Peng Shuya continued, "Junior Brother Xiling, don't forget our bet. If you cannot beat me, you have to treat me to dinner!"
Peng Lingxi rolled her eyes while the other core disciples sported looks of great displeasure.
Chen Wentian watched the exchange between them in confusion. He wasn't sure what to make of this strange dynamic between male cultivators. Perhaps this Peng Xiling was good company or a funny jokester.
Peng Shuya started his demonstration in front of the two immortals. He wielded a two-handed longsword almost as long as he was tall with a width of three fingers. It was an excellent weapon with both speed and agility as well as reach and power.
"First Blight! Taiyin Sword!"
"Second Blight! Shaoyin Sword!"
"Third Blight! Jueyin Sword!"
His comprehension was adequate. Out of the six sword movements of the Six Meridians Demon Blight sword style, he was able to perform the first three. His form was acceptable though not precise. Still, he performed far better than the members of mortal sects. He was even able to display a tiny bit of the unique aura that made the demon slayer art special.
"Good. You may return." Peng Yuefeng dismissed his disciple, "Lin Huzhong, what did you think?"
"Excellent swordsman!" Chen Wentian praised, "Understanding is good. His form could be more precise but it is still excellent for such a short period of time."
Peng Yuefeng snorted, "Him, he did okay though I expected better since he is the eldest. But I have to say, your sword art is indeed a rarity. Although its raw power is a bit lacking, I can sense that it contains a very special quality. Is this what makes an effective fighting style against demons?"
Chen Wentian put on a fake smile, "Yes, it is something I discovered by chance. It had no potential as an immortal art but it is quite useful for mortals against mortal demons."
Peng Yuefeng stroked his beard and nodded, "I get the same feeling. Oh well, it is still excellent for its purpose. Next, Peng Yuchang, your turn."
A stocky disciple with a beard walked up. He carried a heavy sword that was similar to his master's Desolate Sword, a solid slab of metal that weighed more than a cow. Strangely, he also challenged Peng Xiling to a bet that also involved a meal together.
Chen Wentian idly wondered if this Peng Xiling was exceptionally good at cooking. Why else would so many of his senior disciples want to have meals with him?
The second core disciple was nothing special. He also performed the first three sword movements but his technique was shoddy. He was missing several steps in each movement and he lacked attention to detail. It was clear that he emphasized strength in order to swing his big chunk of metal around but this limited his performance on many sword arts.
"Go back, next!"
"Next!"
Two more disciples came and went, displaying their capabilities. They were all around the same in terms of comprehension. Only one showed a bit more talent and managed to showcase the fourth movement.
What was most surprising was that all of them showed a high level of interest in their junior disciple. They all pestered Peng Xiling with bets that involved spending time together in some form or another. It varied from lunch and dinner to sword practice and even meditation sessions together. It was bizarre.
Chen Wentian had met Peng Xiling once before in Dugu's Cavern many years ago. He always felt that this swordsman was a weird fellow. He didn't expect the other core disciples to be equally as weird.
It was impossible for this to be a coincidence. For so many men who liked other men to be in the same place, there had to be a reason.
He cast a sharp glance at Peng Yuefeng and shuddered inwardly. It had to be this sword master and his peculiar preference in disciples…
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