Only Li Wei knew about Chu Mu's breakthrough. She was happy and sad at the same time.
She was happy because her senior apprentice brother's cultivation had increased and he had become more powerful. She was sad because her senior apprentice brother had reached the ninth stage. Next, he would become an elite disciple.
Perhaps she would not be able to continue serving her senior apprentice brother. Thinking of this, Li Wei felt as if something important was missing from her heart. It was empty and there was a kind of pressure. Even breathing became difficult.
For the next few days, Li Wei was somewhat listless. She did not have her usual enthusiasm when practicing swordsmanship. This made Chu Mu feel very strange, so he asked her about it.
Li Wei stammered before finally speaking her thoughts. Chu Mu did not know whether to laugh or cry. He could only tell Li Wei that if he became an elite disciple, he would still need a sword attendant. When the time came, he would apply to the Sword Faction and directly use Li Wei.
Chu Mu was focused on the sword. He did not know how Li Wei felt about him. He only thought that after serving him for a long time, she would be reluctant to part with him. This was human nature. Moreover, Chu Mu was already very used to having Li Wei serve him.
Chu Mu's words made Li Wei feel as if she had received some kind of guarantee. Her decadence from a few days ago was swept away. She was full of vitality and was even more immersed in cultivation.
… …
"Compared to other swordsmen who have reached the ninth stage, I have saved a lot of time. I have directly stabilized at the early ninth stage."
Ninth stage sword qi cultivation was originally nine cycles. However, Chu Mu was different from others. He could carry three times as much. Moreover, because of the strengthening of his body after reaching the ninth stage, the number of cycles he could carry had reached thirty.
Unfortunately, his cultivation talent was only at the ninth grade. Even if he could carry several times more cycles than others, Chu Mu's sword qi cultivation progress was still very small and difficult to detect.
"When I was at the seventh or eighth stage, I could still find ways to obtain Qi Refining Pills to speed up my cultivation. However, Qi Refining Pills can only restore my cultivation at the ninth stage. They cannot increase my cultivation at all."
"Qi Breaking Pills are suitable for ninth stage swordsmen. However, Qi Breaking Pills cannot be exchanged for even with contribution points. It is said that only after becoming an elite disciple can one obtain a Qi Breaking Pill every three months. Fine, I'll go apply to become an elite disciple today. "
Standing up and holding his sword, Chu Mu walked down the pavilion. He planned to go to the Lingfeng Academy first before going to the main hall to apply to become an elite disciple.
Chu Mu had just walked out of the pavilion when suddenly, the ground began to shake. In less than a second, it became violent, as if a magnitude five or six earthquake had occurred. The entire pavilion shook and let out creaking sounds, as if it was about to collapse. There were even sounds of plates and plates falling to the ground and shattering.
Chu Mu stumbled and hurriedly adjusted his center of gravity to stabilize himself. Only then did he not fall. However, the world in front of him was violently shaking. Even the sky seemed to be shaking.
Then, a series of loud rumbling noises rolled over from afar like giant waves. It was earth-shattering and caused everyone's scalps to go numb and their hairs to stand on end.
After the loud bang, the tremors suddenly stopped. Only the loud roar was still reverberating in the air, but the sky was still blue.
"What happened?"
"Is there a landslide?"
From the pavilions, figures rushed out one after another. Some of them looked embarrassed, panicked, and shouted.
"Senior Brother, what happened?" Li Wei also rushed out. Her small face was flustered. As soon as she saw Chu Mu, she rushed over and hugged Chu Mu's arm.
"Nothing, maybe there is a landslide somewhere in Qinglan Mountain." Said Chu Mu. His face was calm and unperturbed, causing Li Wei to be affected. She couldn't help but calm down. Only then did she discover that she was hugging Chu Mu's arm. Her small face flushed red, and she covered her face as she frantically ran towards the pavilion.
Chu Mu was a little stunned. Looking at Li Wei's panicked back, he showed a faint smile, as if he was looking at a child.
Withdrawing his gaze and looking at the blue sky, Chu Mu had doubts in his heart: "Why is there such a huge vibration? Is it really a landslide? "
Thinking about it, he couldn't figure out the reason, but he didn't dwell on it and continued to move forward.
… ….
At the Ling Feng Sword Platform, he bid farewell to the inner disciples and brought their blessings to see the Ling Feng Academy. After chatting for a while, Chu Mu once again climbed the Heaven Stairway and entered the main hall of the Qingfeng Academy.
"Congratulations, with your strength, you don't need to take the assessment and can directly become an elite disciple of the sect." Elder Luo had a sincere smile from the bottom of his heart. His eyes were shining like light bulbs as he stared at Chu Mu and sincerely congratulated him: "In the future, every three months, you can get a Qi Breaking Pill to improve your cultivation."
"Now, take this Qi Breaking Pill first, I will take you to the elite disciple area, you can choose your own pavilion to live in." Elder Luo smiled and explained: "The pavilion of the elite disciples is larger, the environment is better, and it is more conducive to cultivation. There are also special sword attendants to take care of their daily life."
"Elder Luo, I am very satisfied with my current sword attendant, so I hope that I can transfer her here to continue serving me. What do you think?" Chu Mu took the small porcelain bottle containing a Qi Breaking Pill and took the opportunity to say.
"In the past, there were often disciples who would make such a request, but I rejected them all. After all, the sect has its own rules." Elder Luo was not surprised when he heard this. He smiled and said: "However, the rules are dead, and people are alive. I approve your application."
"Thank you, Elder." Chu Mu bowed with his sword and said gratefully.
"Haha, we all have high hopes for you. Naturally, we hope that you can cultivate better." Elder Luo laughed.
Chu Mu also smiled. He was very clear that this was because the upper echelons of the Qingfeng Sword Sect had seen his talent and terrifying comprehension. Otherwise, if it was an ordinary elite disciple, such a request would have been rejected immediately.
Currently, there were not many elite disciples in the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Including the newly joined Chu Mu, there were a total of thirty-eight elite disciples.
Among them, Li Yi, Yu Wenhua, and Wang Tinghao were the leaders. They had the highest cultivation among the thirty-eight elite disciples. Of course, in terms of strength, Chu Mu was the strongest. This was a point that no one doubted.
There were a total of fifty pavilions in the elite disciples' area. Chu Mu looked around and chose one of them because there was not much difference between these pavilions as a whole. He was just following his usual practice and chose a pavilion close to the pool. It was convenient for him to enter the pool to practice his sword.
Elder Luo encouraged Chu Mu again and told him that if there were any problems, he could look for him directly. He then turned and left. He also sent someone to the Soaring Wind Courtyard to inform Li Wei to pack up and prepare to continue serving Chu Mu in the main hall.
Li Yi, Yu Wenhua, Wang Tinghao, and Xiao Qianfeng all came to Chu Mu's pavilion. Naturally, they could not help but congratulate him.
"Junior Brother, we can cultivate together in the future and improve together. Let's see who can break through to the Qi Transformation Realm first." Yu Wenhua patted Chu Mu's shoulder and laughed.
"I thought Second Senior Brother would say to see who can break through to Stage 10 first." Chu Mu laughed.
"I also thought that Second Senior Brother would say that," Wang Tinghao said with a serious face.
"You guys, am I that kind of person?" Yu Wenhua immediately retorted. He looked as if he was about to explode in anger, causing everyone to laugh heartily.
Some people would act one way when they were not close enough. But once they were close enough, they would act another way and become more unscrupulous. This was the case no matter which world one was in.
… …
In the Azure Edge Sword Sect, there was a difference in treatment between Stage 4 and Stage 4 outer disciples. There was also a difference between inner disciples and outer disciples. There was also a difference between elite disciples and inner disciples.
For example, now that Chu Mu had become an elite disciple, in addition to the more exquisite and larger two-story pavilion, he still ate the meat of mid-grade Vicious Beasts every day. The rice and vegetables he ate were also specially provided by the Sword Sect. Even the inner disciples could not enjoy such benefits.
The meat of Vicious Beasts was rich in nutrients. Otherwise, why would people eat tiger meat to strengthen their bodies? The meat of Vicious Beasts was many times more nutritious than that of Vicious Beasts. Especially the meat of mid-grade Vicious Beasts, it was much more nutritious than that of low-grade Vicious Beasts. Eating it every day had a great effect on enriching one's blood and Qi.
In addition, the Hundred Herb Wine that was originally provided with one jug per month was now provided with three jugs per month. Chu Mu did not have to drink a small cup per day as usual.
It had been five days since he became an elite disciple. Chu Mu had also adapted to the life of an elite disciple.
Speaking of which, compared to an inner disciple, there was not much difference. He still cultivated the Zhongyuan Sword Qi Art and sword arts every day. However, Chu Mu focused on the Rolling Cloud Sword Art and Drifting Cloud Sword Art. He hoped to reach perfection as soon as possible. Then, he would extract the essence of the killing moves and integrate it into the Shocking Cloud Kill. He would then use the instant of improvement to deepen his understanding of the concept of clouds.
"It's time to take a Qi Breaking Pill to increase my cultivation." Chu Mu said to himself.
Under normal circumstances, when a disciple broke through to Stage 9, they would wait until their sword qi had completely recovered before taking the first Qi Breaking Pill. Usually, at that time, they would have to take the second Qi Breaking Pill.
But Chu Mu was different. When he broke through, his sword qi did not lose the slightest bit, saving him one or two months of effort. These days, there were always elite disciples coming to visit, so he did not have much time. Now that it was finally peaceful, Chu Mu planned to take a Qi Breaking Pill to see the effects.
After notifying Li Wei, Chu Mu closed the door and declined all visitors. After adjusting his breathing, he took out a Qi Breaking Pill.
The Qi Breaking Pill was slightly larger than the Qi Cultivating Pill. It was bright yellow in color and gave off a slightly warm fragrance. His nose twitched slightly, and the medicinal fragrance entered his nostrils, making Chu Mu full of energy.
Throwing it into his mouth, it melted immediately. After swallowing, the medicinal power immediately dissolved.
The Zhongyuan Sword Qi Art was channeled. The pure sword qi of the early Stage 9 circulated through his body, rapidly absorbing the medicinal power of the Qi Breaking Pill and circulating it through his meridians.
Stage 9. Normal swordsmen could circulate nine cycles, but Chu Mu could circulate thirty cycles. Thus, he used less than half a day to completely absorb the medicinal power of the Qi Breaking Pill.
He exhaled a mouthful of slightly turbid white gas. This was the fine dregs of the Qi Breaking Pill that could not be converted into sword qi. If they settled in the body, it would be detrimental to the body.
Opening his eyes, there was a glimmer of light in them.
"After refining one Qi Breaking Pill, my sword qi cultivation has increased slightly. Based on this progress, I still need one more Qi Breaking Pill to barely reach the middle stage of Stage 9. Based on my calculations, I need about seven Qi Breaking Pills to reach the peak of Stage 9.
"One Qi Breaking Pill every three months. Based on my calculations, I would need one year and nine months. But if I combine it with my own cultivation time, I would need about one and a half years, which is six Qi Breaking Pills, to reach the peak of Stage 9."
"What a pity. If I could get seven Qi Breaking Pills and consume them separately within a month, I would definitely be able to reach the peak of Stage 9."
However, the Qi Breaking Pill was far more valuable than the Qi Cultivating Pill. The Azure Edge Sword Sect did not produce much each month. Otherwise, they would not have set a limit of three months for each elite disciple.
Thinking of this, Chu Mu suddenly thought of Li Yi and the other two. Now that they were at the peak of Stage 9, they no longer needed Qi Breaking Pills. Thus, the Azure Edge Sword Sect had also stopped supplying them.
"After the peak of Stage 9 is Stage 10."
Suddenly, a question appeared in Chu Mu's mind.
"Stage 9 is the elite disciple. Including me, there are thirty-eight of them. The one with the highest cultivation is Senior Brother Li Yi. Then what about the disciples at Stage 10? Since there are Qi Transformation Realm experts, there should be Stage 10 swordsmen, right? "
Chu Mu thought for a moment. He had only met one Stage 10 swordsman, and that was the deacon of the Sword Battle Arena, Chen Jin. However, he was a deacon, not a disciple, so his status was different.
"I actually neglected this question. Looks like I'll have to find an opportunity to ask Senior Brother and the others the next time they come."
The next day, Li Yi, Yu Wenhua, and Wang Tinghao came again. Xiao Qianfeng did not appear, but someone else did. It was Luo Yuling.
Luo Yuling walked at the back. Looking at Chu Mu, she bit her red lips, looking like she wanted to get closer but was too embarrassed to do so.
Chu Mu only glanced at her once before looking away. He did not feel anything special. Luo Yuling could not hide the disappointment on her face, but she quickly hid it.
"Junior Brother, your cultivation …" Li Yi and the other two were slightly stunned.
"I just refined the Qi Breaking Pill, so it improved a little." Chu Mu smiled slightly and said.
"So fast!" Li Yi and the other two were slightly surprised. They needed about two to three days to refine a Qi Breaking Pill, but Chu Mu seemed to have refined it only yesterday. Only one day?
After that, they naturally had a small gathering on the second floor of Chu Mu's pavilion. Luo Yuling also came up and sat quietly to one side, listening to Chu Mu and the others chat. She looked like a virtuous little wife.
Li Yi and the other two glanced at Luo Yuling and Chu Mu from time to time. A mysterious smile flashed across their faces from time to time, making Chu Mu somewhat confused.
Chu Mu was just about to ask Li Yi and the other two where the tenth stage disciples went when Li Yi and the other two suddenly stood up and bid farewell to Chu Mu. They did not even have the chance to ask Chu Mu to stay. The three of them immediately went downstairs and disappeared without a trace, making Chu Mu even more confused.
"Senior Brother …" Luo Yuling finally spoke. Compared to usual, she was less arrogant and more shy. Her cheeks were red, making Chu Mu slightly stunned. When he came back to his senses, he was somewhat surprised.
"What's the matter? Speak. "Chu Mu's attitude towards Luo Yuling was not different. It was neither cold nor warm.
"I came to apologize to Senior Brother." Luo Yuling said in a low voice. She boldly looked at Chu Mu and said, "I now know that I am a spoiled rich young lady. I think that it is natural for others to flatter me. So in the past, I have been rude to Senior Brother. I hope Senior Brother does not take offense."
Chu Mu was slightly stunned. The current Luo Yuling and the Luo Yuling of the past gave him a very different feeling. Especially when she took the initiative to apologize, Chu Mu was even more surprised. However, Chu Mu did not say anything. He only smiled and said, "It's nothing. I don't mind."
"Since Senior Brother does not mind, then Senior Brother can teach me swordsmanship in the future." Luo Yuling was overjoyed. She revealed a bright smile and returned to her original self.
Chu Mu suddenly felt that perhaps this was Luo Yuling's true purpose.
"My schedule is very tight every day, so I can't spare much time." Chu Mu smiled faintly. If Li Yi and the others saw this, they might beat their chest and stamp their feet.
"It's okay. Senior Brother, when you are free, just give me some guidance. I will be satisfied." Luo Yuling could not help but feel disappointed. However, she quickly seized the opportunity and said with a pleading look on her face. Her eyes were full of hope and she looked pitiful.
"Then come once every ten days. I will try to spare some time to teach you swordsmanship." Chu Mu said faintly. In his heart, there was only swordsmanship and Sword Principle. He did not care about Luo Yuling's thoughts. As for sparing some time, it was actually possible.
"Okay." Luo Yuling originally planned to come every day. When she heard Chu Mu's words, she subconsciously wanted to refute. However, she remembered her original intention and suppressed the disappointment in her heart. She felt that since she could only come once every ten days, she could come more often as they became more familiar. She believed that at that time, Senior Brother Chu would not be so cold to her.
"By the way, you are the daughter of the Sect Leader. Let me ask you, where are the Tenth Stage disciples of the Sect?" Chu Mu thought of this question and asked.
Luo Yuling heard this and quickly replied: "Senior Brother, I am not sure about the details. I only know that once the Sect disciples break through to Tenth Stage, they will leave the Sect and go to a new place where they can cultivate better."
"Looks like I have to ask the Elders or wait until I break through to Tenth Stage to know." Chu Mu secretly said. He looked at Luo Yuling and nodded: "Thank you, Junior Sister. I am going to start cultivating. Junior Sister, please help yourself."
"Oh, okay." Luo Yuling felt wronged. She suppressed this feeling and her voice became a little choked: "Then Senior Brother, I will leave first. Tomorrow I will come and learn swordsmanship from Senior Brother."
"Okay." Chu Mu did not put Luo Yuling in his heart. He did not care about Luo Yuling's departure and was immersed in his own cultivation.
Luo Yuling left Chu Mu's pavilion with red eyes. Her current cultivation was at the peak of Eighth Stage and she was the daughter of the Sect Leader. She did not live here.
Unfortunately, Wenren Yun just happened to be returning to her own pavilion. She saw Luo Yuling coming out of Chu Mu's pavilion from afar. Her face immediately sank and dark clouds covered her face. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. Her eyes flashed with a fierce killing intent. Her entire person was very ferocious. From the depths of her throat came a deep roar filled with anger and resentment: "Chu Mu, you want to die. I will definitely not let you go …"