Dual Cultivation Chapter 1142: Preparing for the Eternal Yin Yang Caves
Previously on Dual Cultivation...
Once Disciple Ouyang departed, Su Yang resumed his tasks, focusing on his preparations for the approaching opening of the Eternal Yin Yang Caves.
Lin Xinyi drifted awake a few hours later. She shifted her gaze toward Su Yang, who sat in silent Cultivation by her side.
"Good morning," Su Yang remarked, his eyes remaining closed.
"Good morning…" Lin Xinyi replied softly. As she sat up in bed, a lingering soreness in her lower body reminded her of their previous Cultivation session.
"This might be unexpected, but would you be interested in joining me to cultivate within the Eternal Yin Yang Caves?" Su Yang inquired.
"Huh?"
Lin Xinyi’s eyes stretched wide, her expression filled with a mix of confusion and disbelief, as if she doubted her own hearing.
"I—I think I might have misheard you… Could you say that again?" she requested.
"The Eternal Yin Yang Caves. I want you to accompany me inside," he clarified.
‘I didn't hear it wrong!’ she screamed internally.
"B-But isn't that restricted to the Sect Elders…? I am merely an Outer Court disciple," she pointed out.
"The Sect Leader granted me permission. It serves as my prize for taking down the Mystic Delight Pavilion. Even though she didn't explicitly mention bringing a partner, having one would be more effective for accelerating my progress. I doubt she would object, though I will confirm with her later just to be certain."
Su Yang was capable of cultivating alone in the Eternal Yin Yang Caves, yet the "Yin Yang" in its name existed for a specific reason.
"But why choose me…? I'm only an Outer Court disciple with lacking Cultivation. I don't meet the requirements. Wouldn't a Core Disciple be more advantageous for you?" Lin Xinyi questioned.
Su Yang gave a small smile and answered, "What does that matter? You are my partner. That is the only qualification required. Furthermore, while a Core Disciple might help my Cultivation, the difference in benefits isn't as significant as you imagine."
"Xiao Yang…" Lin Xinyi found herself at a loss for words, her gaze filled with adoration.
"Then it is settled. I shall talk to the Sect Leader later. In the meantime, get ready for the caves."
"Okay," she agreed with a nod.
A few days passed. Within the Inner Court, a handsome man concluded a Cultivation session with a female disciple.
"I came across an intriguing rumor upon my arrival. Is it true that a disciple here is capable of manifesting Sword Will?" the handsome man asked. He was a guest, not a member of the Sect.
It was common for outside cultivators to visit dual cultivation sects; in fact, disciples often traveled specifically to forge these types of connections.
"Oh, are you talking about Disciple Xiao? Yes, he can utilize Sword Will… most likely. It is hard to confirm for certain since no one else in the Sect possesses it," the female disciple replied, having been a witness to the deathmatch.
"Can you explain what you observed and felt?" the man pressed further.
The female disciple nodded, recounting every detail she had sensed and seen during the lethal duel.
"I see… how very fascinating…"
"You are a member of the Limitless Sword Sect, aren't you? Is that the reason for your interest?"
The handsome man smirked and said, "Naturally. Our Sect is always on the lookout for gifted individuals, particularly those with a talent for the sword. If this Disciple Xiao truly possesses such skill and can wield Sword Will, I would very much like to speak with him."
"To be honest, it would be better for everyone if the Limitless Sword Sect took him in. He is too much for us to handle. His arrogance is limitless," the female disciple sighed.
"Arrogance, you say? That makes me like him even more. Confidence—or what some label as arrogance—is the most vital quality of a great swordmaster."
"If you are serious about recruiting him, you should consult an Elder."
"I shall do exactly that immediately."
Leaving the disciple's quarters, the handsome man went directly to find a Sect Elder.
"You wish to have a word with Disciple Xiao? For what purpose?"
"I have heard tales of his proficiency with Sword Will and want to verify it myself."
The Sect Elder shook his head in disapproval. "I would advise against getting involved with him if I were you. He is nothing but a magnet for trouble. As for his supposed Sword Will… I find it hard to credit. He is a dual cultivator, after all. How could such a person master Sword Will? It is simply too preposterous."
"It may be a misunderstanding, but I won't know for sure until I meet him. Where is he located?"
"You will find him at the Outcast Peak."
"Understood. My thanks."
Meanwhile, a crowd of Sect Elders began to assemble outside the Eternal Yin Yang Caves, following the Sect Leader's decree that it would open ahead of schedule.
"Why do you suppose the Sect Leader decided to open the Eternal Yin Yang Caves so early this year?"
"Who can say? Perhaps the resources within the caves replenished faster than expected this time."
Over at the Outcast Peak, Su Yang and Lin Xinyi stepped out of their residence, preparing to depart for the Eternal Yin Yang Caves.
"W-Wait!"
Just as they were about to leave, the handsome man hurried toward them to intercept their path.
"Are you the one known as Disciple Xiao?"
Su Yang paused, taking a moment to inspect the man's attire before responding.
"You hail from the Limitless Sword Sect. What can I do for you?" Su Yang recognized the uniform instantly, having dealt with their kind extensively in his past.
"Oh? You recognized my Sect's robes so fast; you must have an interest in the way of the sword as well. I heard rumors that you could manifest Sword Will and came to see if they held any truth."
Su Yang smiled and asked, "And what is your plan once you confirm it? Do you intend to recruit me? Even though I am already sworn to the Boundless Yin Yang Sect?"
The handsome man was startled by how accurately Su Yang had guessed his intentions. It was as if the youth could see right through him.
"You seem remarkably well-informed about our Limitless Sword Sect. Did you study us in the hopes of joining our ranks?" the man felt compelled to ask.