Life Simulation: I Caused the Female Sword Immortal to Regret Forever Chapter 4:

Xu Xi’s initial perception of the master presiding over Forest Sword Peak was overwhelmingly positive.

This newly appointed master possessed a demeanor that exuded warmth and accessibility. He presented as a benevolent elder, entirely devoid of the haughtiness commonly associated with cultivators at the Nascent Soul Realm.

Concealed beneath his expansive robes was an unadorned wooden sword. While its appearance was deliberately plain and unremarkable, the very fact that a Nascent Soul cultivator carried it implied it was a potent, concealed magical artifact.

In parallel, just as Xu Xi was appraising the head of Forest Sword Peak, Li Wanshou, the peak leader himself, was equally occupied in his assessment of Xu Xi.

The more Li Wanshou observed, the more his satisfaction grew.

Stroking his white beard, he articulated, “Adequate, quite adequate. A wood-affiliated spiritual root of such rarity! Truly a significant boon for my Forest Sword Peak.”

A few other cultivators from the sect, themselves Nascent Soul Realm experts, voiced their discontent, “Li Wanshou, what justification is there for a wood spiritual root to be assigned to your Forest Sword Peak?”

“Precisely!”

“It is common knowledge that the Five Elements are interconnected—Wood nurturing Fire. My Flame Sword Peak would also be well-suited to mentor this young individual!”

With a casual sweep of his sleeve, a substantial gust of wind lifted Xu Xi from the ground, propelling him toward the verdant mountains in the distance.

“Come along, my fine disciple,” he conveyed with a jovial chuckle. “Let us not permit these spiteful old men to cause you any inconvenience!”

Li Wanshou’s laughter echoed heartily as they ascended through the air.

The majestic green mountains grew ever larger before them.

The myriad layers of peaks and valleys seemed to radiate vibrant life, while the wind and clouds danced in perfect synchronicity, crafting a spectacle of unparalleled beauty.

Before Xu Xi could fully process their departure, they had already left the main precinct of the Heavenly Sword Sect far behind, rapidly nearing Forest Sword Peak.

“Master…” Xu Xi began, his voice laced with hesitation, quickly amending his address. “Master, is it entirely acceptable for us to depart so abruptly?”

Li Wanshou responded with a playful admonishment, “Cease your worrying! Those old reprobates have taunted me for years, decrying my Forest Sword Peak for its lack of promising disciples. Now, the tables are turned, and they shall be forced to retract their criticisms!”

The elder’s lighthearted disposition proved infectious, and his formidable Nascent Soul mana facilitated their rapid journey.

Before long, Forest Sword Peak materialized before them.

The architectural design bore a resemblance to the sect’s primary hall, yet this peak was distinctively adorned with myriad bamboo swords. From afar, the vista resembled thousands of emerald blades standing sentinel upon the mountain, their sharp points catching the sunlight.

“My esteemed disciple, from this moment forth, the entirety of Forest Sword Peak falls under your stewardship.”

“Within this mountain’s bounds, you are my singular true disciple. This designation confers upon you the position of eldest disciple.”

“You are empowered to manage all affairs as you deem fit, from the highest to the lowest. Should any questions or uncertainties regarding cultivation arise, seek me out at the Forest Sword Hall atop the mountain.”

“Cultivate diligently. Our Heavenly Sword Sect has yet to yield a cultivator of the God Transformation Realm. You possess the potential to be the first. Haha, if I can successfully mentor a disciple destined for the God Transformation Realm, my life’s purpose will be fulfilled.”

Xu Xi stood immobilized, clutching the bag and manual, a sense of profound ambivalence washing over him. “This feels akin to employment within a clandestine enterprise…”

[You have successfully integrated into the Nascent Soul-level Heavenly Sword Sect, assuming the role of the sole true disciple of Forest Sword Peak.]

[Within the confines of the storage bag, you discovered a travel token, a flying vessel suitable for mortals, and a substantial quantity of spiritual stones, talismans, defensive formations, and enchanted implements. A sudden realization dawned upon you: your destiny was inextricably linked to Forest Sword Peak.]

[Utilizing the flying vessel, you facilitated the arrival of your sister, Xu Moli, and subsequently identified a secluded cave within the mountains for her habitation.]

[Your innate talent is genuinely exceptional. You perceived Qi on the inaugural day, successfully refined it within three days, and attained the zenith of the Qi Refining Realm in under one hundred days. Li Wanshou bestowed his commendation upon you, his expression tinged with a hint of awkwardness, remarking that you reminded him of his younger self.]

[Not long thereafter, you received news of a startling development.]

[Your master, Li Wanshou, a cultivator of the Nascent Soul Realm, has sustained injuries.]

[Upon undertaking an investigation, you ascertained that Li Wanshou’s injuries were a consequence of his boasting about your cultivation prowess to the other peak masters, who retaliated out of sheer vexation. You offered a wry shake of your head, acknowledging that he had brought it upon himself.]

[Concurrently, your unprecedented cultivation trajectory garnered widespread admiration throughout Forest Sword Peak.]

[No individual dared to voice ridicule or issue challenges. Your Heavenly Spiritual Root, reminiscent of a narrative from an excessively dramatic online novel, fostered a sense that this existence was almost disarmingly facile.]

[Your standing as a disciple of Forest Sword Peak remained unassailable. Universal consensus held that you were destined to eventually achieve the Nascent Soul stage and perhaps even attain a glimpse of the divine.]

…

“Rumble—”

The heavens issued a resounding thunderous roar as ominous clouds consumed the sky. Silvery threads of rain descended, coalescing into streams before being rent asunder by the furious gale, transforming into a tempestuous downpour.

Rainfall on Forest Sword Peak possessed a tranquility absent in the boisterous downpours of Black Rock City, a stark contrast to the human-centric thrum of the latter.

Yet, one constant remained—the perpetual wait for Xu Xi.

“Brother!!”

A diminutive figure, struggling to wield an oil-paper umbrella that dwarfed her, stood at the cave's entrance, her silhouette waving enthusiastically toward Xu Xi.

“Didn’t I enjoin you not to await me each time?” Xu Xi inquired, accepting the umbrella and adjusting its angle to encompass her small form.

“But the book states it would gladden my brother,” she responded with a playful grin.

“Pray tell, which tome?”

“'One Hundred and Eight Stratagems for Capturing a Man's Heart.' Sister Dan imparted it to me.”

A brief pause ensued before Xu Xi gently ruffled her hair. “Refrain from perusing such literature; it is ill-suited for young minds.”

“Oh…” The girl nodded, her comprehension partial but her trust in her brother absolute.

Beneath the expansive umbrella, the pair proceeded through the rain, the paper canopy acting as a shield against the storm, allowing only a subtle, misty aroma of rain to permeate their surroundings.

Upon their return to the cave, the protective formation engaged spontaneously, muffling the tempest's roar.

This cave was far from a mere excavated cavity. Within the celestial realm, a dwelling's merit was determined by its spiritual energy density, not its external facade. Xu Xi's abode, while basic and reminiscent of their former wooden home in Black Rock City, offered slightly more spaciousness.

Xu Xi found contentment in its simplicity, but Xu Moli delighted in its adornment, frequently introducing flora to imbue the space with vitality.

After a period of playful engagement, she approached Xu Xi, bombarding him with inquiries.

“Brother, what is the essence of immortal cultivation? Can one ascend to the heavens?”

“Indeed. Upon achieving a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment Realm next year, sword flight shall be within my grasp. I shall carry you with me then.”

“Truly? I shall anticipate that moment!”

“Fear not. The interval shall not be protracted,” Xu Xi assured, patting her head.

The girl’s countenance brightened, her eyes alight with nascent joy.

Then, Xu Xi extended his palm, revealing two hard candies. “These I acquired today. Pray, partake and savor them.”

Her delight escalated, culminating in an exclamation: “Brother is simply the finest!”

[Your immortal journey has progressed commendably.]

[Having achieved perfection in the Qi Refining Realm, you deferred the urge for immediate advancement to Foundation Establishment. Adhering to Elder Li Wanshou's counsel, you dedicated yourself to fortifying your foundation to its utmost.]

[During this period, you immersed yourself in the four vital arts of cultivation: alchemy, artifact forging, array mastery, and talisman crafting.]

[Your innate talent proved remarkable. You assimilated the four arts with exceptional speed and, on a whim, devised a novel alchemical formula.]

[Acknowledging your significant contribution, the sect bestowed generous rewards upon you. Your livelihood, alongside your sister's, experienced a marked enhancement.]