Chapter 52: The Fate Hatchet

“Um… Senior Brother?”

As Shen Mu was deep in thought, Tang Yueyao’s soft voice sounded beside him.

“What’s up?”

“Are we continuing tonight?” she asked.

“…Let’s continue. Her absence won’t make much difference.”

This was a perfect chance to test how fast he could cultivate by combining the rapid spiritual qi absorption of this dual cultivation method with the efficient refining of the Heavy Heaven Technique.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead, Senior Brother.”

With that, Tang Yueyao eagerly stood, heading to the meditation cushion and sitting down obediently, waiting for him.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Shen Mu sat on the cushion across from her. “You seem to like this cultivation method.”

“Mm… probably because it’s fast and feels really comfortable.”

Recalling the pleasant sensation of cultivating with the dual cultivation method, Tang Yueyao’s cute, fair face lit up with a faint smile.

She’d never experienced anything like it in her usual cultivation.

Myriad Phenomena Peak.

Luo Qingling lay quietly on a jade bed in her cave abode, resting.

Her graceful, curvaceous figure was enveloped in the gentle green glow emanating from the jade bed, her expression serene.

Suddenly, her eyes opened, sensing an unfamiliar presence entering the surveillance array she’d set around Shen Mu’s cave abode.

However…

Instead of immediately apprehending the intruder, a playful expression crossed her face.

“Heh… how interesting…”

“Alright, let’s see what you’re up to, little one.”

The next morning.

Strands of morning light filtered through the misty haze, slowly entering Shen Mu’s room, casting a soft glow between the two.

“Phew…”

Shen Mu ceased his practice, exhaling a turbid breath and opening his remarkably clear, vibrant eyes, feeling his cultivation had progressed significantly overnight.

This dual cultivation method pairs perfectly with the Heavy Heaven Technique.

Just one night of cultivation not only brought me to the threshold of peak Qi Refining but also advanced the Heavy Heaven Technique to the fourth level.

What an excellent cultivation method.

Feeling the refined spiritual energy coursing through his meridians, several times purer than before, Shen Mu’s lips curved slightly, a hint of pride in his eyes.

The next moment, Tang Yueyao finished her practice, slowly opening her eyes.

But as she felt a slight dampness on her thighs and between them, her youthful, fair face flushed with shy embarrassment.

It really happened, just like Senior Sister said…

“Senior Brother…” Tang Yueyao lowered her eyes, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can you step out for a bit… I need to change my clothes.”

Hearing her request, Shen Mu looked her up and down, puzzled. “Why do you need to change?”

“Please don’t ask…” Her tone was thick with embarrassment.

“…”

“Alright.”

Seeing her reluctance to explain, Shen Mu didn’t press further and walked out of the room.

Soon after.

Tang Yueyao emerged in a fresh white dress, a trace of shyness still on her face.

“Senior Brother… you’re free most of the day, right?” Having experienced the wonderful feeling and benefits of the dual cultivation method, she seemed to be growing fond of it.

However…

“I have some other things to do soon. If you want to cultivate together again, come back tonight.”

Shen Mu planned to get a cauldron and study the fire-control techniques from the ancient alchemy book to start mastering the alchemy profession.

Tang Yueyao’s expression visibly dimmed with disappointment upon hearing he wasn’t free.

But she understood that such matters required mutual consent, so she didn’t push.

“Alright… since you’re busy, I’ll come back tonight to cultivate with you.”

“Mm, I’ll leave the door open for you. Just come in.”

After seeing Tang Yueyao off, Shen Mu left the sect, heading down the mountain to Xuanyong City.

Lingxuan Peak.

Swish! Swish swish!

Jiang Ning’er’s eyes were cold as she unleashed one sharp sword qi after another, as if venting, leaving deep, narrow sword marks on the hundred-meter white stone cliff.

Each mark carried a faint killing intent, reflecting the swordsman’s foul mood, pushed to the extreme.

Swish!!

As the final hundred-meter sword qi slashed out, splitting the white stone cliff and revealing fragments of the mountain, Jiang Ning’er panted lightly, her sword-holding arm slowly lowering.

“Ha… ha…”

“So annoying…”

She seemed troubled by something, her heart heavy with frustration.

[Ning’er, come to the Mysterious Weapon Pavilion.]

Suddenly, a divine sense transmission echoed in her mind, silencing her for a moment. She sheathed her spiritual sword and calmed her emotions.

“…”

“This disciple is coming.”

After composing herself, Jiang Ning’er flew off on her sword.

After she left, the white stone cliff she’d slashed collapsed entirely, crumbling into a pile of rubble.

Mysterious Weapon Pavilion.

Luo Qingyue stood by a blazing furnace of golden spiritual flames, observing with satisfaction in her crimson eyes.

Beside her, a gray-haired elder stroked his gray-white beard, speaking softly, “Sect Master, this sword’s spirituality is considerable…”

“If that little one wields it now, it might carry some risks.”

“No worries, Elder Jin. I trust her.”

Though a sword’s greater spirituality could make it “unruly,” for someone with an innate sword bone and high affinity for swordsmanship, stronger spirituality was a boon.

Moments later.

A handsome black-haired youth arrived, bowing to Luo Qingyue and the elder. “Master, Elder Jin.”

“I told you before: if you won first place in the tournament, I’d forge you a natal treasure.”

“Now, it’s time to fulfill that promise.”

Luo Qingyue raised her hand, and a three-foot beam of radiant golden sword light flew from the blazing golden flames, hovering before the youth, exuding a pure, unyielding spiritual aura.

“This sword is forged from Spiritual Origin Mysterious Gold, infused with rare spiritual essences. It’s a highly spiritual sword, just a step below a heavenly sword…”

“I think it’ll suit you well.”

Jiang Ning’er gazed at the sword-shaped beam, slowly reaching to grasp its hilt, feeling a comfortable warmth.

Yet, the beam didn’t fade.

“Master, this…” Jiang Ning’er looked at Luo Qingyue, puzzled.

“Try infusing your sword intent and resonating with your sword heart.”

Jiang Ning’er focused, following her master’s instructions, channeling her unique sword intent into the beam and resonating with her sword heart.

Buzz!

The sword-shaped beam glowed with a mystical light, suddenly shifting form…

It transformed into a gleaming, razor-sharp cleaver.

Its blade bore radiant golden patterns imbued with an enigmatic sword aura.