The next day.
As the morning sun rose, the dewdrops on the foliage evaporated.
Fang Lang sat cross-legged on the bed. Scattered around him were the remnants of spirit crystals—their spiritual energy drained dry.
It was the result of one sleepless night.
His eyes opened. After following Ni Wen's suggestion to alter the spiritual energy flow, Fang Lang saw improvement in his cultivation. There was less smoke forming at the crown of his head.
The spiritual energy in his body flared but he was unable to reach the sixth grade sword mastery.
It was just a single grade advancement but the effort it took suggested future breakthroughs would be all the more tedious.
Based on his estimation, to reach the ninth grade within such a short time would require more than 50 low-grade spirit crystals.
If he did not achieve the ninth grade before the Imperial Examination, it would be difficult to stand out as a candidate and be selected by the elite sects.
The pressure was on.
Fang Lang had ambition. He wanted to be one of the geniuses who had their picks of top-tier sects, not just an average student who hoped to be chosen.
After a night of cultivation, his spiritual sense and physical body were at their limits. He left his room for some morning fresh air to revitalize the cells in his body.
He walked toward the main hall.
Zhao Wuji was serving himself a bowl of porridge. Old Fang and Old Zhao were in the midst of a light-hearted discussion.
Fang Lang was surprised to see Zhao Wuji but he kept a smile plastered on his face.
Old Zhao gave the boy a lookover as he put on a reluctant smile.
The odd tension between Fang Lang and Zhao Wuji was noticeable. Old Fang periodically glanced between the two but said nothing.
After breakfast, Fang Lang bade his father goodbye and left the Fang Manor. He stepped onto Chang Street to get to Luojiang Academy.
…
In Luojiang Academy, Fang Lang walked up to the second floor of the Mentors' Office. The wooden flooring made his footsteps audible.
Within the building, mentors ambled in the corridor with their teaching plans in hand. They were surprised to see Fang Lang there but no one approached him.
Mentor Wen's break office was the eighth room on the second floor. When Fang Lang arrived, there was already a crowd inside.
The tiny room was clearly not meant for meetings and Fang Lang's arrival made it even more cramped.
There were three other people excluding Mentor Wen. One of them was an old man with white hair and a white beard. He sat on a chair with a wise and gentle expression.
The two remaining figures were a boy and a girl.
The boy wore a green academy robe.
Fang Lang's entrance caught the boy's attention. After a cursory glance, the boy looked away.
The boy was graceful and exuded the confidence of a genius.
The girl had a veil over her face, showing off nothing but her eyes. She had a slender figure and attractive eyes.
Jiang Linglong looked at Fang Lang and her eyes betrayed no emotions.
Fang Lang felt a certain familiarity when he looked at the girl.
The old man saw Fang Lang and smiled.
Fang Lang felt a shiver up his spine. He bowed and greeted, "Headmaster Cui."
The old man was the headmaster of Luojiang Academy. Rumor had it he was a fourth-class spell master who was well-versed in forbidden spells. A mere flick of his wrist could bring forth unimaginable powers.
"You're Fang Lang? I've heard good things about you."
Headmaster Cui nodded and smiled.
He was there under the willow trees of the practice grounds when Fang Lang delivered the breathtaking sword strike. The boy had left an impression in the old man's mind.
Mentor Wen stood respectfully beside Headmaster Cui. A flash of surprised crossed Mentor Wen's eyes when he heard the compliment from the headmaster.
"Headmaster, these two students are my picks for the Sword Guild's upcoming Gathering of Swords.
"This is Liu Bubai from the first study block. He is a ninth-grade sword disciple and seventh-ranking on the honor roll.
"This is Fang Lang. A fifth-grade sword disciple from the seventh study block."
Mentor Wen continued the introduction. "Then, we have the headmaster's pick, Lady Jiang Pei. The three of you will represent Luojiang Academy in the competition."
The old man rested his palms on his knees. Wrinkles stretched across his face as he smiled kindly.
"The Sword Guild invites participants from 200 over academies throughout the Tang Dynasty. In the past, Luojiang Academy has achieved great results in the Gathering of Swords but the recent years have been tough on us. Most candidates can't even get through the first stage. I hope you work hard and make us proud," the old man said encouragingly to Fang Lang and Liu Bubai.
The headmaster's encouragement motivated the sword genius, Liu Bubai. He gave the old man a respectful bow. Meanwhile, the veiled Jiang Linglong—who was using the alias, Jiang Pei—only gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.
The headmaster smiled and rose from his seat. He was hunched over as he leaned forward to give Fang Lang a pat on the shoulder.
"Young man, give it your best shot."
Headmaster Cui gave him a smile, then left.
The room was left with four occupants.
Mentor Wen faced the veiled lady and asked, "Lady Jiang, the headmaster says you're a genius sword disciple from Imperial City. Care to elaborate on your cultivation?"
The atmosphere shifted at those words.
Jiang Linglong's eyebrows scrunched up, then relaxed. She nodded slightly and said, "Sword master."
Mentor Wen raised an eyebrow.
A 15-year-old sword master—no doubt she was a genius from Imperial City.
Fang Lang's pupils narrowed. From the two words, he recognized the lilt of the voice.
This was the lady in the Spring Cloud Chamber.
Hearing the lady's origin and cultivation status, Liu Bubai let his head fall. He faced the lady and nodded reverently but she ignored him.
Liu Bubai's expression darkened.
He was the top sword disciple in the current batch of students, hence his big ego.
The rejection from Jiang Linglong was a splash of cold water to Liu Bubai's face.
Liu Bubai did not care about Fang Lang. He figured the fifth-grade sword disciple was included to fill the team. After all, with the upcoming Imperial Examination, not many would be willing to sacrifice precious time to participate in the Gathering of Swords.
Mentor Wen paid little attention to the awkwardness among the students.
He looked at Fang Lang and said, "You might only be a fifth grader but you have a solid foundation in sword mastery. You stand a chance in the competition. Don't focus too much on scoring points for the Imperial Examination. This is an opportunity for you to learn.
"Lady Jiang Pei and Liu Bubai are good role models to learn from."
Mentor Wen admired Fang Lang—he was born with an average core but through hard work and dedication, he was able to master an impressive sword technique.
Although cultivation was heavily dependent on a person's core, hard work and determination were also required to achieve greatness.
"Master, although the Gathering of Swords only takes into account a person's sword techniques, a low cultivation grade makes it difficult to master the relevant skills. Fang Lang is just a fifth-grade sword disciple.
"Don't worry too much. Lady Jiang Pei and I can't help you in the individual event but you stand a chance in winning the team combat as part of Luojiang Academy," Liu Bubai said shrewdly with his arms crossed. He gave Fang Lang a reassuring nod.
The meaning behind Liu Bubai's words were obvious—he was looking down on Fang Lang.
'I am god-like. I'll carry the team. Everyone should stay down and stay quiet.'
At that point, Jiang Linglong shot Liu Bubai an incredulous look.
She was aware of Fang Lang's sword technique—it was one of the best she had ever witnessed. The Gathering of Swords would be undoubtedly competitive as the focus was on the techniques and skills instead of the cultivation grade.
Who would end up carrying the team? It was difficult to say.
Fang Lang responded with an easygoing smile.
Liu Bubai was not a bad person—his ego was simply too big.
As the conversation ran its course, Mentor Wen stood up and said to the trio, "Let's end the discussion for now. Once classes end in the afternoon, let's meet at the practice grounds. I'll run through some basic drills and the rules and regulations for the Gathering of Swords. Now, hurry on to your classes before the bell rings."
Fang Lang and the two other students left the Mentors' Office.
Liu Bubai patted Fang Lang's shoulder. Although he said nothing, Fang Lang knew the boy meant to reassure him. With that unspoken gesture, Liu Bubai left with his head held high.
With the veil hiding her features, Jiang Linglong did not exchange words with Fang Lang and Liu Bubai. She was like an untouchable snow lotus meant to be admired from afar.
Fang Lang watched the silhouette of Jiang Linglong and smirked.
'Jiang Pei.'
Finally, he had her name.
15 years old, second-class sword mastery, sword master.
That innate talent… It was phenomenal.
Just when Fang Lang thought he was stuck, here came a genius to his rescue.
That empty partner slot would finally be filled.
He had met the mysterious lady and gotten her name. Why hesitate?
Fang Lang decided to bind her.
'System, perform partner-binding on Jiang Pei,' Fang Lang thought as he watched the retreating figure.
'Ding! Partner-binding in progress…
'Ding! Target could not be identified. Please try again later.'
Fang Lang was confused.
There had been a mistake and his joy was short-lived.