Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 780: Mirror Flower and Water Moon

"Senior Song, your demeanor is captivating, your spirit vibrant. Now, everyone on Dragon Pool Mountain knows your name."

Su Lianxue’s red lips parted slightly, her breath like orchids, her voice soft and melodious.

"Lianxue has admired you for a long time, and has come specifically to pay her respects, Senior."

Her slender, jade-like neck tilted slightly as she looked at Song Yan, her eyes flowing with emotion: "If I have disturbed you, I hope Senior will not blame me."

"..."

A nameless agitation stirred in his heart, Song Yan’s expression tightened, becoming a little more cautious.

Charm 術? Song Yan had occasionally heard of Heavenly Jade Palace’s name.

Like Ziyang Sect, it was also a small Sect near the behemoth that was Cave Abyss Sect.

Many years ago, when Song Yan first attended the Lingyuan Ze Night Market, there was a female Cultivator from Heavenly Jade Palace at the trade fair organized by Ke Huai.

There were countless such semi-allied, semi-dependent small Sects around the Dongyuan mountain gate.

However, Heavenly Jade Palace was the most talked about among Disciples.

Because almost all the Disciples of this Sect were incredibly beautiful female Cultivators.

Most of them Cultivated Cultivation Techniques with enchanting effects.

These Cultivation Techniques could not be equated with traditional charm techniques.

Cultivators in this world sought longevity, and their aspirations varied.

Power, lust, freedom... And many female Cultivators sought longevity primarily to maintain their youthful appearance.

After Cultivating some Cultivation Techniques, their eyes, brows, and even bones would naturally possess a captivating charm.

Even without intentionally employing any charm techniques, their every gesture could enchant male Cultivators, and even other women.

It was just unknown what this Fellow Daoist Su’s intentions were.

"You flatter me."

Song Yan’s expression remained calm as he stepped aside, "Please."

Su Lianxue’s eyes rippled slightly, and she thanked him softly before entering the Immortal Cave.

Her lotus-like steps left a fragrant trail, her gaze alluring.

As she walked past Song Yan, she brought with her a faint, delicate fragrance.

At first sniff, the scent was elegant, like a secluded orchid in a valley, but then it transformed into a rich sweetness that could stir deep, amorous thoughts in one’s heart.

She’s up to no good... Song Yan lowered his gaze, pondering subtly.

Above the lotus flower in the Sword Mansion, the Unmoored Boat buzzed, dispelling the agitated heart fire.

Su Lianxue curiously surveyed the furnishings within the Immortal Cave, then naturally sat down in the guest seat, her posture graceful.

Xiao He was hidden in Song Yan’s Daoist robe sleeve.

Her small eyes suspiciously stared at the unfamiliar woman.

Su Lianxue had a captivating figure, but her appearance seemed youthful, and when she spoke to Song Yan, she was innocent and guileless.

"I heard that a few days ago, Senior Song’s skills astonished everyone, and even a Foundation Establishment Realm Senior from Profound Origin Sect was defeated by your sword. Lianxue is truly impressed..."

Her slender, jade-like fingers brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen by her ear.

Seemingly chatting over tea, every word was a compliment to Song Yan’s talent, interspersed with sighs about the difficulties of Heavenly Jade Palace Disciples’ lack of resources.

She didn’t mention the qualification for advancement, nor did she show any particularly overt signs of using charm techniques.

This somewhat surprised Song Yan.

He had little contact with such female Cultivators, so he naturally wouldn’t know what Su Lianxue was thinking.

For a young Genius Disciple like Song Yan, he might have seen a lot of the world.

But even heroes fall for beauty, and these Disciples were usually overseen by Elders and bound by Sect rules.

An open event like Dragon Pool Mountain was a good opportunity for her to make her move.

What were advancement slots... If she could claim him entirely for herself, wouldn’t a few slots be just a word from her?

Moreover, if she truly succeeded, what slots or qualifications would even matter?

A Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator in his early twenties.

Becoming the Dao Companion of such a Prodigy, would other things truly still be important?

Now, she didn’t need to care about anything; she only needed to do one thing.

Steal Song Yan’s heart.

She had already investigated; his situation was very special.

He had been unknown before, rising step by step from the lowest ranks of the Sect to where he was now.

Excluding the dangerous incident at Changping, this Dragon Pool Mountain gathering was probably the first time he had tasted the feeling of being the center of attention.

Such a person was most easily lost and indulged in the debauchery he had never encountered before.

Naturally, he would also be the easiest to get.

She had originally thought so, but so far, she couldn’t detect any feedback from Song Yan’s expression or actions.

After a long chat, Song Yan merely lowered his eyes and drank tea, occasionally responding with a polite but distant attitude.

About half an incense stick later, Su Lianxue stood up to leave.

She didn’t know what the other party was thinking now, or if her charm techniques had any effect, and couldn’t help but feel a little anxious.

But staying longer would be meaningless.

This Song Yan seemed not as simple as she had imagined.

She stood up, her figure breathtaking, a delicate fragrance wafting: "I have disturbed Senior’s Cultivation; it’s getting late, Lianxue takes her leave."

"No trouble."

Song Yan’s hand was behind his back, and he merely shook his head gently.

After she finished speaking, seeing Song Yan’s calm expression and flat response, she couldn’t help but feel a little more anxious, and a trace of annoyance.

She didn’t believe that this young man in front of her could truly remain unmoved under her Heavenly Jade charm techniques.

"Oh, right."

Su Lianxue seemed to have thought of something; her face flushed slightly, appearing somewhat shy.

She took out a jade talisman from her qiankun bag and handed it to Song Yan.

"Senior Song..."

Her red lips bit lightly, occasionally glancing up at Song Yan, her gaze becoming more lingering.

Her tone was soft and alluring: "Senior’s Cultivation is profound, and your Sword Dao is unparalleled."

"Lianxue also yearns for sword arts, but regrets her dull talent. If Senior doesn’t mind, when you have free time in the future, would you be willing to spare some time to guide Lianxue in a few moves?"

Without waiting for Song Yan to nod or refuse, she took a light step forward as she spoke, placing the warm jade talisman in Song Yan’s palm.

Her fingertips subtly brushed Song Yan’s hand, leaving a faint fragrance.

"This is the Immortal Cave where Lianxue is temporarily residing, the entrance jade talisman to Warm Jade Tower on the southern foothills of Dragon Pool."

She raised her eyes, her deep affection gazing into Song Yan’s eyes.

Her soft whispers were like a lover’s murmur by the bedside.

"The night is long. If Senior feels lonely and bitter in Cultivation, you can hold this jade talisman and come directly to the inner chamber to find me, to guide Lianxue in Cultivation and jointly comprehend the Great Dao."

"Lianxue will certainly sweep the mat to welcome you."

After speaking, she seemed to have exhausted all her courage, her face crimson, and without further delay, she hurriedly left Song Yan’s Immortal Cave.

Silence returned to the Immortal Cave.

Song Yan slowly closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

Talking with this Fellow Daoist from Heavenly Jade Palace, though not dangerous, always felt more thrilling than fighting someone.

Female Cultivators who practiced charm techniques were truly captivating and difficult to deal with.

No wonder they all said that even heroes fall for beauty.

What guidance in Cultivation, what joint comprehension of the Great Dao.

Guidance where? Comprehend what Great Dao?

He understood, of course.

Song Yan was not a person of pure heart and few desires; who wouldn’t want a passionate encounter with a beautiful woman?

However, he feared that this woman’s charm Cultivation Technique was unusual, benefiting herself at the expense of others.

At that time, if his Foundation was damaged and his path to the Great Dao hopeless, he would truly regret it.

Moreover, this woman most likely came with an agenda, which made him genuinely wary.

His sword heart buzzed, and his state of mind quickly returned to calm.

He casually picked up the jade talisman she had left behind, engraved with the words "Warm Jade Tower."

A wisp of sweet, alluring body fragrance lingered on it.

But at this moment, Song Yan’s state of mind was no longer affected.

A small head poked out from under the tea table and snatched the jade talisman.

"Give it here."

Xiao He was holding the jade talisman, her small hands on her hips.

"Look, if Sister Xiao Ju wasn’t here, you’d have your soul hooked away by these foxy women."

"I..."

Song Yan wanted to explain, but Xiao He didn’t give him a chance.

"I, I, I, what ’I’."

"Hmph!"

Xiao He let out a soft snort from her nose, her small face trying hard to look stern, appearing very displeased.

"I could smell her from so far away, it’s suffocating."

"And she... she smiled so strangely."

"Oh?" Song Yan suddenly smiled, "Where was it strange? Tell me."

"It was strange, anyway!"

Xiao He, in the manner of a small adult, spoke with a tone of exasperation: "Grandpa has said countless times to be careful of pretty girls!"

"Why don’t you ever listen?"

Song Yan pretended to be surprised: "Is that so? But... but Xiao He is also very pretty."

"I..."

Snake Babe was stunned, her eyes a little unfocused: "I... I... I, of course, know that."

"But Yan Yan and I are together, I won’t harm you, I’m going to harm others."

"So others need to be careful of me."

Hah.

She really managed to explain it away.

The child has gotten smarter.

"Okay, I know." Song Yan smiled: "She might have used some charming Dao Technique, but I have my ways of dealing with it, no need to worry."

"Don’t be so flippant!" Snake Babe pouted.

"Then... then you’re not really going to that... what’s-it-called tower, are you?"

Song Yan was very cooperative, instantly dropping his smile, and answered decisively: "No, I’m not going."

"That’s more like it..."

Xiao He was finally satisfied, her lips secretly curving upwards for a moment before quickly pressing down.

Her two short hands were behind her back, like a school teacher.

"What... what tower, that kind of place sounds bad. I’m afraid you’ll go and learn bad things."

After she finished speaking, she bounced away and disappeared from sight.

"Haha..."

Song Yan was amused by her.

He walked back to the Cultivation room and composed himself.

In recent days, apart from the most basic Realm Cultivation, Song Yan had been studying that profound Sword Intent.

From the battle with Fan Dongchen that day, it was clear that a truly complete Sword Intent possessed astonishing power.

If he hadn’t intentionally restrained its edge, Fan Dongchen would likely have died on the spot.

Song Yan was not a benevolent person who cared about the life and death of Profound Origin Sect Disciples, but firstly, the other party’s crime didn’t warrant death, and secondly, killing someone at such a grand event would lead to endless summons and inquiries.

Although there was a life-and-death warrant, the procedures and processes still needed to be followed, which was truly troublesome.

However, the power of Sword Intent was certainly not a bad thing.

Song Yan also thought, what kind of power would it be if sword essence were also integrated into this Sword Intent... In recent days of studying the Grand Void Transformation Tome, his understanding of the Sword Dao had also advanced to a new level.

Putting Sword Intent aside, the difference between Sword Cultivators and other Cultivators before the Golden Core Realm was actually not very significant.

Unfortunately, Sword Intent was something that couldn’t be set aside.

In this entire Cultivation World, apart from the usual Dao Technique, Cultivation Bodies, secret arts, and other conventional Dao Technique.

There was another method that could truly be called "Mortal Immortal Arts," known as "Divine Ability."

Only Cultivators above the Golden Core Realm had a very small chance of comprehending and learning it.

The Grand Void Transformation Tome mentioned that those who comprehended Divine Ability at the Golden Core Realm, even if only a mere glimpse, were exceedingly rare.

Most Cultivators could only comprehend it by the Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation Realm.

However, the "special effect" contained within Sword Intent itself could be considered the seed of a Divine Ability.

It was precisely because of this that in ancient times, at the same Realm, Sword Cultivators found it simpler to comprehend Divine Ability than ordinary Cultivators.

The special effect of Sword Intent, through the nurturing and comprehension of a Sword Cultivator, could potentially become a Sword Dao Divine Ability.

This was the main reason why Sword Cultivators’ combat power far exceeded others at the same Realm.

Now, with the Mirage Sword Pill refined into his Immortal Foundation, the special effect he mysteriously possessed was difficult to distinguish between real and fake, changing at will.

Like flowers in a mirror, the moon in the water.

Song Yan thus named this Sword Intent, "Mirror Flower, Water Moon."

In the following days, Cultivators came to visit Song Yan in an endless stream.

Especially as the Grand Competition drew closer, those Nine Pulses Cultivators eligible to attend the ceremony arrived one after another.

This included some Elders from the Six Major Sects who had not been present before.

So the number of visitors also increased.

Among them were Elders from small Sects, Loose Cultivators attempting to curry favor, and even Disciples from other Pulses of the Six Major Sects, all coming with various objectives.

Some were humble in attitude, trying to move him with personal favors.

Some were straightforward, bringing generous gifts in exchange for a spot.

Others were probing indirectly, testing Song Yan’s attitude and the true strength of Cave Abyss Sect.

Under Master’s instruction, Xiao Ju dealt with these people one by one, neither being impolite nor allowing Song Yan to worry further.

During this time, a white-robed maiden with an ethereal demeanor once came to visit, claiming to be Xie Chan from Hanging Sword Mountain, an old acquaintance of Song Yan, coming to visit Senior.

Xiao Ju had dealt with no less than eighty to a hundred such people in recent days.

Although she didn’t believe it, she still recorded it truthfully.

She told the other party that Master was currently in seclusion for Cultivation, and that she would relay the message upon his emergence.

The other party did not pester her and left after thanking Xiao Ju... As the Grand Competition approached, Song Yan emerged from seclusion on this day.

Xiao Ju truthfully reported all the people she had recorded who had visited during this time.

"A Cultivator mentioned having met Master once when he was in Jiran Valley."

"I don’t recall."

"And... a female Cultivator from Hanging Sword Mountain, named Xie Chan, once came to visit."

"Xie Chan?"

It sounded familiar, but he couldn’t recall, so he set it aside for now.

These Cultivators were probably mostly here for the slots, so it was best not to return their visits.

"Oh, right, Master."

"Just now, Elder Yang Wenxuan of the Sect sent a spirit talisman, inviting you to a meeting."

She said: "Xiao Ju has already declined, as per your previous instruction, on the grounds of being in seclusion for Cultivation."

Song Yan nodded and said, "Good."

As a key Disciple attending the meeting, he was naturally aware of the news of Yang Wenxuan’s arrival at Dragon Pool Mountain.

However, he had no interest in visiting him.

In the past, when he was just Qi Refining, he still kept his distance. Now that he had forged an Immortal Foundation and was a Disciple of Demon Subduing Peak.

He had no interest in playing games with this person.

Song Yan still vividly remembered the grudge from that day.

"If he sends another message, tell him that I am preparing for the Grand Competition and am unable to move."

"If it’s urgent..."

"Tell him to come see me himself."

Xiao Ju’s face showed no fear of the Cave Abyss Sect Elder; she merely nodded obediently.

"Yes, Master."