Chapter 225: Chapter 178: Your Sword Dao Talent Is High, Please Accept the Betrothal Letter

The chubby girl crept stealthily to the outside of the bedchamber, stepped on two gate-guarding ghosts, and unsteadily stood up to peer inside through the window lattice.

Inside, before a tea table, Xiaoqiao and Jiang Yi were sitting opposite each other.

The former pushed a wooden box over and explained in detail:

"A Sword Pill is the essence of five metals. It is incredibly sharp and heavy, making it difficult for the Divine Sense to refine, let alone control."

"A Flying Needle is lighter and more nimble, better suited for someone just learning to wield a sword. Plus, it’s forged from Yang Steel, with a structure as fine as flesh and blood, making it much easier and less taxing to control."

Jiang Yi nodded. With his current Primordial Gate Divine Sense, grasping and moving objects was as easy as flipping his hand. However, when it came to piercing metal and controlling it as if it were his own limb, he still lacked the power.

He would have to condense Innate Qi, nurture a Profound Light True Seed, and absorb the elites of the Five Elements to make it burst forth from the crown of his head. Only then could he achieve it.

This was because cultivating to this stage granted the ability to deconstruct matter—even Copper and Iron Essences, once enveloped by Profound Light, would instantly be reduced to a wisp of Primordial Qi.

As for Cultivators at the Twelfth Layer of Qi Cultivation, they too needed to cover their bodies with Profound Light to use Evasion Spells. At that point, passing through mountains and stone or treading the void and riding the air would be a simple matter.

Xiaoqiao said excitedly:

"You refine this Flying Needle first, and I’ll teach you the variations of sword control."

Jiang Yi readily agreed. His Divine Sense rushed through his fontanelle, releasing the Primordial Gate. It was like a massive, brilliantly glowing pearl, illuminating the room with a dazzling light.

"Your Divine Sense... it’s more than hundreds, even thousands of times stronger than an ordinary Cultivator’s."

Xiaoqiao covered her mouth and gasped softly, her bright eyes filled with astonishment.

A Qi Cultivation Cultivator’s Divine Sense resides between their eyebrows, is about the size of a small pellet, and shines with a glow no brighter than a grain of rice.

Even for those with a deep foundation and ample accumulation, it would at most be comparable to a firefly or a candle flame.

How could any of them compare to Jiang Yi’s, which was like a full moon hanging high, its light surging like a tide to illuminate the entire hall.

’This is Divine Sense that has attained a Metal Nature, after all,’ Jiang Yi thought. ’How could it be compared to the mundane?’

Jiang Yi didn’t find it particularly exaggerated. His Divine Sense condensed slightly, instantly shrinking into a silver pellet. It leaped a few times in mid-air before attaching itself to the Flying Needle.

Just as Xiaoqiao had said, the Flying Needle was as light as a feather, with almost no weight. A mere thought from his Divine Sense was enough to make it move.

"In swordsmanship, there has always been a distinction between ’wielding a sword’ and ’commanding a sword.’ The former is to guide it with your palm, to control it with your body;"

"the latter uses your Divine Sense and qi, borrowing the power of Profound Light to deconstruct matter, allowing you to be unstoppable in your attacks and maneuvers."

As expected of a True Monarch’s daughter, while Xiaoqiao explained the key points, she also sent the other Flying Needle from the wooden box rising into the air.

"Although the Flying Needle is light and nimble, its movements are many and varied. Controlling it with minute precision still requires great mental effort."

Xiaoqiao’s slender fingers formed a sword seal. The Flying Needle flipped up and down, darted forward and back, becoming ever more agile and swift. It was like a silver swallow skipping over water, too fast for the eye to follow.

Jiang Yi followed her example, moving his needle with his thoughts. In an instant, his Flying Needle was like a fledgling swallow returning to the forest, wobbling as it chased after Xiaoqiao’s.

"Young Master Jiang is truly worthy of becoming a Daoist. Your talent is outstanding."

Xiaoqiao giggled and continued to instruct him:

"The variations of this Sword Technique are nothing more than ’dividing’ and ’uniting.’ The Sword Discourse Pavilion summarizes them into three moves..."

Jiang Yi listened carefully, and with Xiaoqiao’s clear and easy-to-understand explanation, he grasped about seventy to eighty percent of it.

There weren’t many techniques a Qi Cultivation Cultivator could master to begin with. Besides, it wasn’t necessary to spend too much effort on them; once one’s Profound Light was formed, more powerful methods would naturally become available.

"The first move is ’Flowing Qi Pierces the Rainbow.’ You circulate your qi like a continuous thread, so its flow is unbroken from start to finish. It specifically targets the gaps in an opponent’s transition between moves, emphasizing ’speed’ and ’smoothness’;"

"The second move is ’Aura Shatters the Nine Heavens.’ You gather and condense your qi, using the momentum of the needle’s ascent to amplify its sharpness. It uses a single point to break a whole surface, a swift and ferocious offensive method;"

"The third move is ’Layered Clouds Obscure the Peak.’ You must continuously pour your True Qi into it, breath after breath. This is a true sword-controlling spell. However, the Flying Needle is too light and lacks forceful weight, making it difficult to execute."

Jiang Yi watched Xiaoqiao’s changing hand seals intently as the principles of the three sword moves flowed through his mind.

With the great improvements to his Dao Wisdom, bone structure, and aptitude, these concepts—which were originally complex and required long practice to master—now seemed simple and easy to understand.

In less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, the Flying Needle he controlled was able to keep up with Xiaoqiao’s rhythm.

The two silver threads weaved through the air, flying back and forth, as agile as fish in water.

"What incredible aptitude!"

Xiaoqiao was quite surprised.

When the Sword Discourse Pavilion examined and accepted disciples, it always chose the best of the best.

Aptitude was an extremely important part of this.

So-called aptitude, to put it simply, was the ability to learn and apply knowledge.

Merely understanding the Techniques and sword principles taught by one’s masters was not enough; one had to quickly internalize and master them.

Jiang Yi had understood all the variations of the moves after watching her demonstrate only once. He grasped everything with the slightest hint. He was truly a prime specimen for the Sword Dao!

"Hmph, since you learn so fast, I won’t go easy on you anymore."

A competitive spirit was suddenly ignited in Xiaoqiao. Though she wasn’t an expert in swordsmanship, she had been immersed in it since childhood, and her skill was far beyond that of any ordinary person.

Xiaoqiao’s Flying Needle suddenly accelerated, crisscrossing from all directions as if to weave an impenetrable silver net within the bedchamber.

Jiang Yi smiled slightly. He welcomed more pressure from Xiaoqiao, as it would help him master the sword moves faster.

With a flicker of thought, his Flying Needle suddenly spun, whirring around his fingertips before shooting out as a streak of silver light!

TING!

Xiaoqiao let out a soft cry. Her swiftly tumbling Flying Needle had been steadily blocked by Jiang Yi’s. It was like two birds colliding head-on, their beaks tapping gently together with a crisp, light sound.

"Flowing Qi Pierces the Rainbow! The Young Master’s talent is incredible!"

The chubby girl perched outside the window couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

That move required one to be extremely practiced in their qi circulation method. They had to transform the embryonic breathing Spiritual Liquid flowing from their Inner Mansion into fine threads, wrap them around the Flying Needle, push them forward layer by layer, and then release it all in one breath to achieve such a sharp, swift attack.

’How long has Jiang Yi even been learning to wield a sword?’

’It hasn’t even been an hour, and he’s already using Flowing Qi Pierces the Rainbow to cut through the dense net Xiaoqiao was weaving!’

"As expected of the Sword Discourse Pavilion’s young master-in-law! His talent for the Sword Dao is undeniable!"

The chubby girl grinned secretly. The two gate-guarding ghosts she was stepping on cried out in misery. This ancestor of theirs was as heavy as a mountain; how could the two of them possibly hold her up?

"Alright!"

Xiaoqiao puffed up her cheeks and huffed. With a turn of her Divine Sense, she sent the falling Flying Needle back into the air, where it moved so fast it let out a sharp buzzing sound.

TING! TING! TANG! The crisp sounds were endless. Silver light flashed rapidly throughout the bedchamber, dazzling the eyes.

Jiang Yi sat still, as steady as Mount Tai. He only occasionally changed his sword seal, maintaining a watertight defense.

No matter which direction Xiaoqiao attacked from, he was able to block her, preventing her needle from getting within half a foot of his body.

The two silver threads clashed again and again, almost striking sparks!

"I’m not holding back anymore, Young Master Jiang!"

Xiaoqiao got serious and unleashed "Aura Shatters the Nine Heavens." She sent the Flying Needle rising to the ceiling of the bedchamber, where it became a single point of brilliant silver light. Then, it spiraled down rapidly with the force of a crashing wave!

Jiang Yi countered with the same move. His soaring silver thread came to a sudden halt, then spun forty-six times in quick succession as he met the attack head-on.

’That Young Master...’ Gui’er thought, ’he doesn’t understand the first thing about being gentle with a lady!’

The chubby girl shook her head secretly. ’If it were someone as clever as me,’ she thought, ’I’d pretend to be running out of strength and deliberately reveal an opening to let Miss Xiaoqiao win. Then I could use it as an excuse to ask for more pointers, creating more opportunities to interact.’

TING!

In a flash, the two Flying Needles collided head-on, their sharp points meeting, and both began to fall.

Xiaoqiao’s Divine Sense wavered slightly, and she felt too drained to continue the fight.

But Jiang Yi changed his hand seal, and his blazing Divine Sense took control of Xiaoqiao’s Flying Needle as well.

The two silver threads danced like butterflies flitting through flowers, performing the move "Great Snow in the Mortal World, a World in White Mourning."

Wisps of a frost-like chill filled the air, coalescing into a slowly blooming daylily.

A gentle breeze drifted in from outside, stirring the lingering, sharp Sword Qi. It was as if petals were unfurling and landing gently in Xiaoqiao’s hair, adding a touch of bright beauty to her appearance.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Xiaoqiao. I have benefited greatly."

Jiang Yi slowly recalled the two Flying Needles. The silver lights spiraled like a pair of swallows in the sky before floating gently back into the wooden box.

"What a beautiful sword move."

Xiaoqiao stared blankly at the gradually dissipating "daylily," carefully sensing the impermanence of life and death contained within its hint of frost.

The variations in this sword move were like a candle guttering in the wind and rain—faint and easily extinguished; like a mayfly, so tiny, born in the morning to die by dusk.

She truly didn’t know how Young Master Jiang, at his age, could have comprehended such a thing.

"How could I possibly be your master in the Sword Dao..."

The green-robed young woman seemed lost in thought, a faint trace of sorrow passing over her lively eyes and brows.

"If my father were to see you, he would surely shower you with praise. With such talent for comprehending sword moves on your own, it would be enough for him to take you as his personal, final disciple."

But Jiang Yi laughed and said:

"If I’m not fated to become a disciple of True Monarch Qiao, then being the number one disciple of Sword Master Qiao is just as good."

Xiaoqiao looked up at Jiang Yi, most of her sorrow dissipating, replaced by a budding smile.

"You just know how to make me happy."

Then, as if unconvinced, she added:

"Again, again! I definitely won’t lose this time!"

An hour passed in a flash. Outside, the chubby girl’s face was alight with excitement, and she looked ready to slap her thigh and cheer.

The two gate-guarding ghosts beneath her feet, however, couldn’t take it anymore. They gently tugged on her pant leg and begged:

"Please, milady, get down! If you keep stepping on us, our souls are going to dissipate!"

The chubby girl stomped her feet impatiently.

"What’s all the noise about! Can’t you see it’s getting to the good part?"

A moment later, the sound of clashes from within the bedchamber gradually died down, and the two silver lights returned to the wooden box one after the other.

A fine sheen of sweat appeared on Xiaoqiao’s forehead and her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes crinkled into a smile.

"You’re good, I’ll give you that. But next time we compete, I’m going to use my family’s heirloom Sword Discourse Pavilion Sword Technique!"

Hearing that he would get to witness the ultimate moves of the Sword Discourse Pavilion, Jiang Yi’s eyes shone brightly, and he smiled as well.

"I couldn’t ask for more."

Xiaoqiao calmed her breathing slightly and said softly:

"Seeing you control the Flying Needle with such ease, without any sign of fatigue, I suppose your injuries have truly healed."

She turned and called out:

"Gui’er, what are you doing hiding outside? Hurry up and come in."

The chubby girl perched outside the window shuddered at the sound of her voice and nearly fell off the backs of the gate-guarding ghosts. She hurriedly replied:

"Coming, coming!"

She scrambled down using her hands and feet. The two gate-guarding ghosts, as if granted a great amnesty, collapsed on the ground, turning into two faint shadows that looked as if they might fall apart on the spot.

"Miss Xiaoqiao, Young Master, are you finished with your practice?"

The chubby girl stepped into the hall with a sheepish grin and chuckled.

"I was completely engrossed watching you just now! You two are truly a perfect match, a diamond cut from the same cloth..."

Xiaoqiao shot her an annoyed glance, then lowered her head and said in a low voice, "Take out the betrothal letter."

The chubby girl glanced at Xiaoqiao and slowly pulled a Wooden Envelope from behind her back. The envelope was one foot two inches long and one point two inches wide, wrapped three times with five-colored silk thread. She held it carefully and placed it gently on the tea table.

"Young Master Jiang, before you faced the Profound Thunder Tribulation, you told my sister that you wished to form a bond with her through a living marriage and become dual cultivation partners. This is the betrothal letter."

Xiaoqiao sat turned to the side, deliberately preventing Jiang Yi from seeing her expression.

’A betrothal letter?’

Jiang Yi glanced over the Wooden Envelope. He saw that a date and time of birth were written on it, along with some flowery praise—all in accordance with ancient rites.

As the saying goes, "no marriage without a matchmaker." Before a man and woman could be joined, there had to be communication between the two families and the presentation of engagement gifts.

The betrothal letter was the most crucial part. After all, "a formal betrothal makes a wife, while an elopement makes a concubine." This rule could absolutely not be broken.

He read it word by word. The envelope read, "Now, through the efforts of the matchmaker, a fine union may be formed... I respectfully present this letter for your esteemed consideration..."

As his gaze moved downward, he saw a blank space for a name at the end.

All he had to do was fill in his name and return the betrothal letter.

And the engagement ceremony would be complete.

"Miss Xiaoqiao..."

Jiang Yi started to speak.

But the green-robed girl, still sitting turned away, shook her head and interrupted him:

"Say no more, my lord. I am overjoyed that you were able to pass through the Profound Thunder safely."

"Fengdu is about to sink into the Netherworld. If my sister doesn’t have a living marriage with you, she will have to remain a yin spirit for another thousand years... Please, accept this betrothal letter and help her escape."