Two unsuspecting fools, one was a disciple of Daoyi Peak, a peak dedicated to the study of formations by the Sect Leader. Given Ji Wushuang's current level of knowledge... it seemed unlikely that she would pose any significant threat.
Perhaps it would be better to visit Tianhen Peak.
Tianhen Peak was known for its swordsmanship, and Ji Wushuang was certainly familiar with swords.
The next morning, after breakfast, Ji Wushuang strapped a simple wooden sword to her back and made her way to the foot of Tianhen Peak.
Having grown accustomed to the luxurious and unparalleled beauty of Zhuxing Peak, she now stood at Tianhen Peak, whose simplicity struck her. The stone path was worn and uneven, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of return to the basics, as if shedding the artificial trappings of refinement.
Like the Six Arts of Cultivation, Tianhen Peak was responsible for teaching swordsmanship to its disciples. Their classes were not held in the Transmission Hall but atop their own peak.
However, Tianhen Peak had an unfortunate tradition: it was primarily for sect disciples, and regardless of whether you were an inner sect disciple, outer sect disciple, direct disciple, or an honorary one, as long as it was your first time ascending Tianhen Peak, you had to climb it on foot without the aid of any tools.
Even if you were just delivering a message or running an errand, the same rule applied.
It was said that there was an ancient "sword mark" left by a legendary figure on the peak, resembling a sword that could split the heavens, a towering, awe-inspiring force.
If one did not ascend the peak and earn the recognition of this ancient sword mark, they risked being slain by its overwhelming sword intent.
Thus, on one's first visit, one was required to climb with complete sincerity.
This posed a challenge for those coming to take swordsmanship lessons, as the path to Tianhen Peak was far more arduous than that of the sect's other routes, such as the Asking Heart Path.
For this reason, disciples usually had some basic level of skill before they attempted the climb.
Today, by coincidence, there were about a dozen other disciples visiting Tianhen Peak alongside Ji Wushuang.
Although Ji Wushuang did not recognize them, the disciples certainly recognized her.
After all, she had earned first place in the Six Arts of Cultivation despite her reputation as a "useless" body.
"Junior Sister, are you here for the swordsmanship class at Tianhen Peak as well?"
A round-faced disciple with a kind and welcoming smile approached Ji Wushuang.
Clearly, she did not remember Ji Wushuang's name, but that didn't matter. Given Ji Wushuang's cultivation level, anyone could call her "Junior Sister."
Ji Wushuang nodded with a warm smile. "Hello, Senior Sister."
Seeing Ji Wushuang's sweet and endearing demeanor, the round-faced Senior Sister said, "Junior Sister, take care to choose an easier path."
"Choose a path?"
"Yes, there is no set route for climbing Tianhen Peak. You can even forge your own way, as long as you reach the top."
As they spoke, a figure in white, radiating an air of purity, walked towards them, surrounded by a group of disciples. It was Mo Lanyi.
The moment Mo Lanyi saw Ji Wushuang, she froze, her mind screaming in frustration: Why do I keep running into her?!
The old ghost who accompanied Mo Lanyi winced at her mental outburst, replying helplessly: This is the sect, naturally, all disciples are allowed to come here.
D*mn it! I should have come on another day. This is so unlucky.
However, despite her complaints, Mo Lanyi had an inexplicable feeling that she had to climb the peak today. So, even though she grumbled, she stayed.
Ji Wushuang, noticing Mo Lanyi's presence, raised an eyebrow. To her surprise, Mo Lanyi did not approach as she usually would. Instead, she diverted her gaze.
As the one favored by the Heavenly Dao, Mo Lanyi had chosen this particular day to ascend the peak. Was this a sign that something extraordinary might occur for her on Tianhen Peak today?
Should Ji Wushuang compete with her for that opportunity?
Just as this thought crossed her mind, a faint rumble of thunder echoed through the air.
Ji Wushuang sighed: If I'm not competing, then I'm not. It's hardly a big deal.
With a shrug, Ji Wushuang chose to distance herself from Mo Lanyi and her group.
When the steward of Tianhen Peak arrived, he handed out a token and said, "During the ascent, your spiritual energy will be sealed. If you can no longer endure or encounter danger, break the token. Don't worry, if it shatters, it simply means you've failed the trial. You can try again next time. Do not push yourself."
"Understood."
After receiving the token, Ji Wushuang noticed the steward's gaze seemed to hold an unusual depth of thought.
Though sword cultivators did not rely heavily on spiritual roots, they still needed spiritual energy. Could this little girl really make it?
"Junior Sister Ji, please do not push yourself too hard," the steward said with genuine concern.
"Thank you for your care, Steward."
"Alright, let's begin."
"Yes."
To avoid encountering Mo Lanyi and her entourage, Ji Wushuang deliberately chose a more remote path. The road was overgrown with wild grass, and strange rustling sounds from spiritual beasts echoed around them.
Tianhen Peak was different from the other peaks in the sect; they kept many wild spiritual beasts at the base of the mountain, and these beasts were notoriously aggressive, often attacking anyone who ventured too close.
The purpose of this was clear: to keep the disciples constantly on alert.
After all, the path of the sword was one filled with violence and conflict.
As Ji Wushuang continued her ascent, she noticed a dark, shadowy beast lying in wait, its lifeless eyes staring coldly at her. It was unclear what its intentions were.
Ji Wushuang glanced at it briefly and paid it no further attention, continuing her climb.
The furry creature, however, followed her, its movements cautious but persistent.
Eventually, Ji Wushuang grew impatient and turned to the creature, saying, "Stop following me. You can't beat me."
Her words seemed to provoke the beast, which sprang at her like a flash of lightning.
But Ji Wushuang merely performed a quick flourish with her sword, effortlessly sending the beast flying. It was then that she saw the creature more clearly.
It was a small, freshly born beast, resembling a cat but not quite a cat. Its body was about half the size of an adult arm, its fur as smooth and black as satin, with large paws and a thick, luxurious tail that trailed behind it. It resembled the beloved cloud-leopard cats that female cultivators adored, but it was even more beautiful than the usual ones.
The little creature's paws were damp, stained with blood—it appeared to be injured.
Ji Wushuang smiled and waved at it.
"Come here."
"Ha!" The beast growled, its wariness evident. It didn't approach but instead bared its tiny sharp teeth.
Ji Wushuang rolled her eyes. "Fine, don't come."
With that, she made to leave, but the furry creature hesitated for a moment, then limped after her.
Whenever Ji Wushuang stopped, the little creature stopped. Whenever she moved, it followed.
Finally, Ji Wushuang grew tired of the game. With a swift motion, she moved like a shadow and grabbed the creature by the scruff of its neck.
"Meow... Ha!!"
Ji Wushuang gave it a quick slap on the back.
"Quiet now, or I won't help you anymore."
"Meow..."
Ji Wushuang gently pried open the little creature's claws and discovered a sharp stone lodged in the pad of its paw. As she prepared to toss it away, the beast snatched it from her hand, struggling with it for a while before reluctantly dropping it into Ji Wushuang's palm.
Amused by the creature's petty nature, Ji Wushuang laughed. "Is this for medical expenses?"
"Meow."
"Alright, I shall accept it then."
After carefully tending to the little creature's wound, Ji Wushuang patted its backside and said, "All done. You can go now."
The little creature blinked in surprise.
Immediately, it began meowing incessantly.
Thankfully, the creature's long, thick black fur concealed its blushing cheeks; otherwise, Ji Wushuang might have noticed how embarrassed and angry it truly was.