Chapter One: Brothers in Apprenticeship

Spirit!

Whenever Bu Jingxian thought of this word, he recalled the words of his master, Elder Beiling. He couldn’t help but envy and regret the practitioners of the Divine and Royal arts. What a powerful, incomprehensible force that was!

As usual, he watched others train in the martial grounds, quietly mimicking their movements from the sidelines. Though he could only grasp their form, he felt it was better than nothing. True techniques had unique ways of channeling energy—some could be inferred, others could not be deduced by imagination alone.

For example, a simple slash might carry the force to knock back, or be imbued with an icy inner energy, or burning heat, or a spiraling destructive power, or a dispersed, area-covering killing intent, or a concentrated, piercing force.

Ordinary people found it difficult to master even one such characteristic, while true experts could cultivate many. They would deploy them according to the situation and their opponent. A misjudgment—even if one managed to block—could prove fatal, not only failing to defend but hastening death.

Without knowing the incantation of a technique, one could not understand its true purpose or respond effectively. The form of a move was easy to steal, but its incantation was nearly impossible to acquire.

Just after dawn, Ling Luo, as usual, descended from the rooftop, responding to the greetings of his younger disciples, finally approaching Bu Jingxian and asking, “Junior brother, are you heading to the back cliff today?”

Years ago, Bu Jingxian had misunderstood Ling Luo’s character and temperament, but later felt deep admiration. Ling Luo was the only one on Beiling Mountain who truly befriended him. Chu Gaoge never mocked him and always greeted him warmly, but never engaged in any further conversation.

Bu Jingxian knew Chu Gaoge’s cordiality was driven by the principles of the Royal arts—a code that demanded virtue, winning hearts, and awe through martial prowess. With virtue, awe became respect, and thus the world would follow; this was the path of the king.

Elder Beiling’s every mental cultivation was paired with a way of conduct and the necessary study of both civil and martial arts. He imparted not just martial skills, but lessons for life. Chu Gaoge adhered to the kingly path, and thus never showed contempt or disdain toward Bu Jingxian, never uttering a cruel word without necessity.

Bu Jingxian understood this, and so felt nothing in particular toward Chu Gaoge.

Ling Luo, however, was not compelled by his Divine arts to act in any particular way. He could have been a detached ascetic, or a carefree wanderer. But Ling Luo was neither.

So Bu Jingxian was willing to grow close to him.

Two years ago, Ling Luo had tried to teach him techniques, but Bu Jingxian always felt his blood surge dangerously. He later learned that other arts could not use the Divine techniques; following their energy flows would only harm oneself, and over time, prove fatal! None of Beiling Sect’s martial arts could be used with another cultivation method.

Bu Jingxian had already mastered seven levels of the Soul arts; he could only resign himself to fate.

Ling Luo was equally helpless, and had pleaded on his behalf, but Elder Beiling merely listened and still refused to teach Bu Jingxian any Soul techniques. Not even the true merits of the Soul arts could be discerned from Elder Beiling’s answers. Among all disciples, Bu Jingxian alone practiced the Soul arts; it wasn’t even an option for others.

He couldn’t learn the techniques, but he could still train his mind and strengthen his body.

On Beiling Mountain, only Bu Jingxian could cultivate with the same tranquil heart as Ling Luo. The others who practiced the Divine arts claimed to be companions, but were always seeking advice, disturbing Ling Luo’s meditation. It wasn’t that Ling Luo lacked patience, but the constant interruptions affected his progress, and he could no longer endure it. Apart from fellow Divine practitioners, many others wished to accompany him, but Ling Luo saw all too clearly the affection in the eyes of the junior sisters, and avoided them, never daring to invite them to train with him.

Ling Luo was neither born a sage nor a deity.

He was a child too, equally prone to loneliness. Though he had grown accustomed over the years, the past had been difficult. In those days, Bu Jingxian would keep him company at the back cliff, meditating and training together. Though they rarely spoke while cultivating, the mere presence of another dispelled loneliness. Over time, it became both habit and a bond.

After morning lessons, Ling Luo always invited him, and Bu Jingxian usually accepted.

Together, they walked across the martial grounds, Ling Luo busy responding to the respectful greetings of “Senior Brother,” exchanging courtesies. Only when they reached the mountain path outside the wall did peace return.

“There’s something, junior brother, that will surely bring you joy if you know it.”

Bu Jingxian was suddenly stirred by Ling Luo’s words, and excitedly asked, “Is Master finally going to teach me martial arts?”

Ling Luo couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head.

Bu Jingxian, used to disappointment, was not disheartened. He quickly guessed, “Is the leader of the Flying Immortal Sect coming, and bringing Qiyue?”

“Junior brother, you guessed it!” Ling Luo replied, but seeing Bu Jingxian unmoved, asked curiously, “Have you forgotten Qiyue?”

Bu Jingxian laughed and shook his head, “We shared hardship. I haven’t lived through so much that I could possibly forget her. But now, I cannot face her.”

Ling Luo frowned, confused. “You are not a self-effacing man. Is it because of your current situation that you feel unworthy?”

“Of course not! Many disciples and sisters here treat me as a joke and I don’t mind. Qiyue is not one of those privileged people who would mock my appearance. You’ve said yourself the Flying Immortal leader treats Qiyue very well. Knowing she’s done well these years brings me peace, and she surely thinks I’m doing well here. If we meet and she learns my circumstances, she’ll worry, and comparing herself to me might unsettle her. Why burden her with unnecessary concern? She is fortunate to possess a gifted body and to have the Flying Immortal leader as her master, receiving careful instruction. Dedicating herself to martial training is the right path. Friends should hope and help each other to thrive; those who drag others down are not true friends. Not distracting her at this moment is the best way I can show my friendship. Do you think that’s right, senior brother?”

Ling Luo nodded repeatedly, praising, “You are absolutely right, junior brother. Only you always have such extraordinary insights. If Qiyue asks, I won’t let anyone speak out of turn. I’ll say you’re in seclusion, and can’t leave until Master permits.”

“Thank you for helping me.”

“It’s nothing. She probably won’t recognize you anyway, so seeing her from afar is no harm. By the way, someone else will accompany the Flying Immortal leader. I hope you will meet them no matter what.”

“Who is it?”

“The Princess Tianlai of Zheng.”

Bu Jingxian was deeply surprised, yet not entirely so, his heart stirred with a hundred emotions, and for a moment, profoundly moved.