Chapter 15: The Invincible Dragon—Part 14

The apprenticeship ceremony commenced as scheduled the following day.

Within the inner sect of the Infinite Sect, there were eight peaks. Each peak was guarded by dozens of elders at the Divine Soul stage, led by a peak master who was a transcendent cultivator. Among these eight peaks, the Peak of Freedom—led by the Carefree Sword Sovereign—had the fewest elder disciples under its name, yet it attracted the most attention.

This was because the Carefree Sword Sovereign was the only Grand Ascension stage sovereign in the Infinite Sect and one of only three such Grand Ascension powerhouses in the entire cultivation world.

Yet today, contrary to his usual habit of avoiding the spotlight, the Carefree Sword Sovereign stood atop the cloud platform.

Anyone standing on the cloud platform signified their intention to accept disciples. As soon as the Sword Sovereign appeared, it sparked animated discussions among the sect’s disciples watching from the mountain base.

“This must be because of that girl who recently challenged beyond her rank,” one whispered.

“That young lady is truly impressive. At the initial Heart Movement stage, she was only mid-level in the sect’s inner gate assessment. Yet she managed to defeat Liu Zongyu, who was at the mid Heart Movement stage, and Qin Yang, who had reached the peak of Heart Movement.”

“To surpass one’s rank and win—those four words seem tailor-made for her.”

“But not necessarily,” another countered. “The Carefree Sword Sovereign and Qin Yang both possess mutated Thunder Spirit Roots and specialize in thunder-based sword techniques. It makes sense they would be more suited to that style.”

“Also, Qin Yang’s cultivation speed is terrifying—he leapt from early to peak Heart Movement in just two years!”

“Given Sister Su’s ‘One Sword of Frost Freezes Fourteen Provinces’ sword intent, it’s no wonder she attracted the Sword Sovereign’s attention.”

Standing on the nearest cloud platform to the ceremony, Shen Xing said with a hint of envy, “He is our sect’s only Grand Ascension powerhouse!”

“Indeed,” Yue Nianxin agreed beside her. “With the Water Spirit Root and the mutated Ice Spirit Root talent, that’s probably unique in the cultivation world!”

“Why haven’t you been hanging out with that disciple from the Valley of Renewal lately?” Shen Xing glanced sideways at Yue Nianxin.

Yue Nianxin smiled awkwardly. “How should I put this?” She looked troubled.

Crossing her arms, Shen Xing scrutinized her from head to toe. “So, what’s the deal?”

“Of course, I’m on Sister Su’s side...” Yue Nianxin hurriedly explained, then sighed deeply. “But Yun Zhu grew up pampered and pure-hearted. She can’t tell genuine affection from feigned.”

“After Qin Yang’s crushing defeat, it seems there was some friction between them.”

Hearing this, Shen Xing relaxed. “The alchemist is revered by thousands and a genius in alchemy—how could she be so rattled by someone like Qin Yang?”

At that moment, a deep, resonant bell tolled in the distance. The clear cries of celestial cranes circled overhead, signaling the official start of the apprenticeship ceremony.

The disciple who ranked first in the inner gate assessment had priority in choosing a master.

First to step forward was Su Bai.

She bowed respectfully toward the Carefree Sword Sovereign. Before she could speak, the Sovereign’s lazy voice echoed from the cloud platform: “Fellow cultivator, do you wish to apprentice under me?”

Before Su Bai could respond, he added, “I have seen your ‘One Hit Soul Sword’ and ‘One Sword of Frost Freezes Fourteen Provinces.’ Your swordsmanship is indeed exquisite. But you must think carefully—there’s nothing more I feel I can teach you.”

[!!? What does that mean?]

[Sounds like a polite refusal? Not sure, let’s wait and see.]

[Honestly, I don’t quite get this plot. The streamer was brilliant that day; maybe some core world rule was triggered…]

[Priority resources go to Qin Yang, probably… The world line wants to spare Qin Yang some face, but the streamer’s raw strength is just too overwhelming, hahaha.]

Unhurried, Su Bai replied, “Perhaps, Sword Sovereign, you may still lack a partner to practice swordsmanship with?”

[!!!!]

[Is that even possible?]

“Partner to practice swordsmanship?” the Carefree Sword Sovereign repeated.

The crowd collectively inhaled sharply.

A Grand Ascension stage sovereign and an early Heart Movement disciple of the Infinite Sect—how could they be connected in any meaningful way?

“That’s an interesting proposal,” the Sword Sovereign chuckled to himself, seeming amused. “In all these years, you’re the first to speak to me like that.”

Her expression was calm as water, as if she were not merely a fledgling disciple. The Sovereign’s eyes deepened. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll blame you?”

Su Bai cupped her hands and bowed again. “To have the chance to spar with you, Sword Sovereign, is my honor.”

“Even if that chance is one in ten thousand, I must seize it.”

“You’re being a bit too arrogant!” Elder Qian Yao stepped forward, reprimanding, “The Carefree Sword Sovereign is of the Grand Ascension stage, and you are only an early Heart Movement disciple! How dare you act so recklessly!”

“Qian Yao!” the Sword Sovereign raised his voice sharply, then waved her off, signaling her not to interrupt. He then turned back with keen interest. “I quite like this proposal.”

He had been commanded by a divine decree to aid Qin Yang in slaying the dragon, declaring Qin Yang his destined disciple.

The Carefree Sword Sovereign could only sneer bitterly.

He had lived nearly two thousand years and was no fool. A moment’s thought made him understand the logic behind this.

The ancient prophecy spoke of the Ziwei Emperor Star blessed by fate—it was Qin Yang.

This young female disciple before him had been obscure until now, but her swordsmanship had stunned all. She must have had some secret encounter, likely outside the bounds of the Heavenly Dao.

Her expression reminded the Sword Sovereign of his younger self—some five or six centuries ago.

Back then, carrying a long sword and seeking opportunity, he had fallen off a cliff and been trapped for decades. At the cliff’s bottom, expecting death, he found instead a drunken old madman who forced him to brew wine daily.

The madman, drunk and irritable, would grab his sleeve and grumble, “Don’t call me Master Lao Shi. I’m just a lousy sword cultivator! In the end, I couldn’t even find someone to drink with me!”

They drank and shared their hearts. Only centuries later did he learn that the old drunk at the cliff’s base was the legendary Immortal Sword Sovereign of Wine, who had vanished from the cultivation world eight centuries ago.

Under the incredulous gazes of the elders, the Carefree Sword Sovereign flicked his finger. A jet-black token flew from his wide sleeve, landing precisely before Su Bai.

He laughed heartily. “Young friend, this token grants you free access to the Peak of Freedom, allowing you to peruse its books at will. Accept this token, and we shall be friends across generations!”

The disciples watching quietly from the sidelines gasped.

Qin Yang clenched his fists tightly.

Su Bai thanked the Sword Sovereign and placed the Peak of Freedom token into her spatial pouch.

Without further ado, the Carefree Sword Sovereign shook hands with Su Bai as sworn siblings. No elder dared take on this hot potato of a disciple now.

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. The girl seemed to have no other moves, leaving the assembly uncertain.

Should she accept him as master or not?

If yes, she was now the Sword Sovereign’s sworn friend.

If no, the rule was to choose a master among the top five of the inner gate assessment—could she just back out?

Yan Lai, the Sect Master of Infinite Sect, cleared his throat and leaned toward the Sword Sovereign, tentatively suggesting, “Why don’t you just accept this disciple?”

What was going on these days?

The Sword Sovereign closed his eyes to rest, feigning deafness.

The sword intent the disciple had formed was far beyond what an outer gate disciple could master. Compared to her, Qin Yang was no match.

Though he had no idea what secrets she hid, what did that have to do with him?

Like the Immortal Sword Sovereign of Wine, he was now just an old oddball looking for someone to drink with.

The scene fell into an awkward silence.

Only Elder Yaoguang, who had always disliked Su Bai, showed a flicker of interest.

Seeing the silence, she stepped forward. “Since the Sword Sovereign says he has nothing to teach you in swordsmanship, why not learn magic from me instead?”

Su Bai paused.

By the original storyline, Elder Yaoguang was also connected to Qin Yang.

Though only five hundred years old, she had reached the Transcendence stage, becoming the Peak Master of Ruo Peak, known for her mastery of arcane arts. Yet she had been stuck at the third level of the Water Cloud Art—the top-ranked water technique in the cultivation world—for some time. After years of secluded cultivation, she found inspiration in an ancient text.

The text stated that the Water Cloud Art was best paired with the Celestial Evolution Divine Sword Technique. To master the third level of Water Cloud Art, one must find someone proficient in the Celestial Evolution Divine Sword Technique.

By chance, it was heard that Qin Yang had received the inheritance of the Celestial Evolution Divine Sword Technique’s founder, the Holy Sovereign, naturally linking Qin Yang with Elder Yaoguang.

Su Bai looked up and saw a woman on the cloud platform with a three-petal red plum blossom marked between her brows, a delicate silver chain with a jade pendant adorning her forehead. She wore a moon-white, floor-length gown with long sleeves and a cinched waist. With no extra ornamentation, she appeared as cold and noble as a blue lotus, surpassing even the rarest alpine flower.

Truly, the foremost magic cultivator elder of the Infinite Sect.

Su Bai bowed deeply. “Disciple greets Master.”

The Celestial Evolution sword technique combined magic and swordsmanship; perhaps learning magic could open new horizons for her sword path.

Beside her, Yue Nianxin murmured, “Elder Yaoguang is the Peak Master of Ruo Peak, cultivates the Water Cloud Art, and ranks just below the three Grand Ascension powerhouses. She has never taken disciples because she’s so devoted to magic…”

Yet now she was the first to offer to take Sister Su as her apprentice!

Elder Yaoguang’s face brightened slightly. She nodded gently, waving her hand. A translucent, jade-like wedge-shaped token appeared before Su Bai.

“Since the Sword Sovereign has given you the token for the Peak of Freedom, I, as the Ruo Peak Master, will not be outdone. With this token, you may access all Ruo Peak’s books and magical arts. Even top-grade spiritual herbs and medicines can be taken monthly within the allotted quota.”

The assembly was stunned. The disciples’ eyes shone with envy and jealousy.

A monthly quota of top-grade spiritual herbs and medicines—what a lavish concept!

[Aside from her sharp tongue, Elder Yaoguang is quite generous.]

[Right! I thought she was a villain at first.]

[Is Elder Yaoguang a romantic rival to the streamer’s character? Any experts familiar with this script to explain?]

After Su Bai completed her apprenticeship, the second disciple to step forward was Qin Yang, who had to settle for second place.

Naturally, Qin Yang sought to apprentice under the Carefree Sword Sovereign.

Training swordsmanship with the foremost swordsman would greatly benefit his Celestial Evolution Divine Sword Technique.

The Sword Sovereign remained silent.

Seeing the Sovereign’s silence, Qin Yang knelt on both knees, performing the most solemn master-disciple bow.

“Disciple Qin Yang has long admired the Sword Sovereign. If you refuse to accept me today, I will kneel here until you change your mind!”

Qin Yang persisted in his devotion to the Sword Sovereign, and even as the ceremony ended, Su Bai still saw him kneeling there.

[Without the streamer’s antics, this would seem normal.]

[The top swordsman—everyone would want to apprentice under him.]

[But given the streamer’s public annulment of their engagement, Qin Yang can’t accept it. Yet he’s willing to kneel so long for the Sword Sovereign—just cowardice masked as respect.]

Riding the popularity of the overpowered protagonist’s broken engagement trope, the chat stream grew livelier. Even though Su Bai rarely interacted with the audience, the comments buzzed with excitement.

Suddenly, someone curiously asked—

“Hey, streamer, since the Carefree Sword Sovereign said he has nothing left to teach you, if Qin Yang kneels here for three days, how long would he have to kneel to apprentice under you?”

Before Su Bai could reply, laughter broke out.

“That’s just politeness from the Sword Sovereign. He probably doesn’t want disciples at all.”

“Yeah, he’s a Grand Ascension sovereign—he wouldn’t think he can’t teach an early Heart Movement junior.”

This seemingly trivial comment made the sword-wielding girl pause.

The setting sun dyed half the green mountains crimson, outlining the boundary between earth and sky. She deftly sheathed the Lone Goose Sword with a crisp snap, tilted her head thoughtfully, and appeared genuinely pondering the question.

Then, half in jest, she said casually, “I’ve never taken disciples, but if he kneels for three days this time, he’d have to kneel at least a month to earn the right to see me.”

Su Bai rarely answered chat questions, so this rare response amused the viewers, who flooded the chat with jokes like “Streamer’s too mean” and “How can the Little White Flower Saint Mother system’s host be unkind?”

“Actually, some people have a point,” she said, her mood light and cheerful, perhaps from having swung a sword so freely after a long time.

“I’m exactly the type who’s despicable and shameless, who never forgets a grudge and hates seeing anyone outshine me.”

“But so what?”

Her eyes reflected the sunset, as if dyed with blood or alight with fire, ready to ignite a wildfire at the slightest spark.

“After all, I’m strong. No one can do anything to me.”

“That’s the trouble with being too strong!”