PID Chapter 107

(3/5)

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As Xiao Mo played the flute, he seemed to gain some insight of his own. After playing two pieces in total, he stopped and pulled out a music cultivation manual from his storage device. He began reading and taking notes as he pondered how to develop a method most suitable for himself.

 

It was just like how Chu Jinglan had studied countless sword manuals before gradually creating his own sword techniques.

 

Cultivation required integration and mastery.

 

Xiao Mo also carried a sword this time. In his previous life in the cultivation world, he had been a swordsman too—often sparring directly with Chu Jinglan using his blade. While his swordsmanship lacked Chu Jinglan’s sharpness and intensity, it was more graceful and agile. However, after not using a sword for so long, holding one now felt slightly unfamiliar to him.

 

Gripping his pen tightly, Xiao Mo wrote and sketched on paper while deep in thought.

 

Music cultivators used melodies to control spiritual energy in combat; most of their time was spent honing musical techniques rather than close combat skills. As a result, many music cultivators were nearly defenseless in melee situations. However, Xiao Mo had once practiced swordsmanship and gained insights into sword intent. Even without a physical sword in hand, he could condense sword energy with spiritual power. The only issue was that his understanding of swordsmanship wasn’t as profound as Chu Jinglan’s—without an actual blade in hand, the power of his sword energy would be significantly diminished.

 

Xiao Mo’s understanding of music cultivation was far more profound than his grasp of swordsmanship. Thus, he wanted to focus on music as his primary path, using sword techniques as a supplementary method. But was there a way to enhance the power of this supplementary technique?

 

Falling petals could be used as swords, spiritual energy could manifest as sword intent… then… Xiao Mo’s gaze fell on the flute in his hand.

 

The flute was also a heaven-tier magical artifact, made from top-quality materials and incredibly sturdy. As Xiao Mo ran his fingers over its surface, his eyes lit up. If that’s the case, why not infuse the flute with spiritual energy and use it as a sword?

 

Though shorter than a typical blade, it would suffice for close combat.

 

Xiao Mo twirled the flute in his hand, testing its balance with small movements. His current body had a water-aligned spiritual root, making his spiritual energy pure and adaptable—soft yet firm, like water that could take any shape. He condensed several strands of sword intent onto the flute’s body, and the fusion was unexpectedly seamless.

 

It wasn’t unusual for cultivators to train during travel, but seeing someone condense sword intent onto a flute caught the attention of a few onlookers.

 

Even Mo Zhi glanced over curiously. He hadn’t known that Xiao Mo practiced swordsmanship. “Your sword intent is impressive… Ahem, Hong Lan, are you planning to use your flute as a sword?”

 

“Mm,” Xiao Mo replied with a nod. He ran his fingers along the flute’s surface as if wiping down a blade, and the hum of sword intent resonated softly. “I want to focus on music cultivation and use swordsmanship as support. This approach might suit me better.”

 

Among the three children who had ascended from the lower realm alongside Xiao Mo, Yan Chun became renowned for formations and arrays, Chu Xia for medical arts, while Mo Zhi—possessing the highest natural talent—was now the only one to have broken through to Great Perfection stage.

 

Mo Zhi observed Xiao Mo thoughtfully and began pondering the technique in his mind. Meanwhile, others watching couldn’t help but think: To follow Chu Jinglan’s teachings but not specialize in swordsmanship—what a waste of such an excellent master! But perhaps Xianzun favors those with unique ideas—that must be why he accepted him.

 

One of them smiled and asked aloud: “Daoist friend, you seem highly perceptive. Do you think Xianzun would accept disciples based on their aptitude?”

 

Xiao Mo sighed inwardly but replied politely: “Although I’ve been fortunate to receive Xianzun’s guidance, I’m not officially his disciple. Xianzun doesn’t take disciples. However, if Du-E Sect ever opens its doors widely to new students, it will surely be announced to all. There’s no need to probe us for information.”

 

The person chuckled awkwardly and nodded in agreement.

 

Chu Jinglan meditated for an hour. Today, his state of mind was stable, and his spiritual consciousness training went smoothly. When he opened his eyes and saw Xiao Mo nearby, any tension in him melted away. For once, he felt genuinely at ease.

 

Xiao Mo was fully focused on condensing sword energy onto his flute. Chu Jinglan immediately understood what he was trying to do—using the flute as a sword was indeed a clever idea. He also knew how diligent Xiao Mo was in cultivation; this trait had been evident even during his time as a inner demon.

 

Quietly observing him, Chu Jinglan watched as Xiao Mo released a strand of sword energy into the air before exhaling slowly. His expression during training was serious and focused—but when he looked up and saw Chu Jinglan watching him, his beautiful brows softened into a radiant smile that outshone even blossoming peach flowers or rippling spring waters.

 

“Finished training your spiritual consciousness? How do you feel?” Xiao Mo asked warmly.

 

Chu Jinglan nodded and reached for Xiao Mo’s hand holding the flute. “You want to wield your flute as a sword?”

 

Xiao Mo leaned closer instinctively. “Yes.”

 

Placing his palm over the back of Xiao Mo’s hand, Chu Jinglan guided him along the flute’s surface with flowing spiritual energy. “Swords come in many forms—if you’re treating your flute as one, you need to know where its edge lies and where its point is.”

 

Xiao Mo felt Chu Jinglan’s steady warmth against his hand as he followed his movements attentively. Chu Jinglan stopped their hands at one point before tightening his grip slightly and guiding Xiao Mo through an outward slash: “Here.”

 

A burst of sword energy shot toward an open space with perfect fluidity. Xiao Mo’s eyes lit up—it felt just right! The subtle imbalance he’d sensed earlier was now resolved perfectly with this motion.

 

Chu Jinglan helped Xiao Mo to his feet, flipping his wrist as a burst of radiant light appeared. Another wave of sword energy slashed through the air with precision.

 

“Form controls the weapon, and intent controls the form.”

 

Unconsciously, Xiao Mo found himself drawn closer to Chu Jinglan, standing right in front of him. He immersed himself in the surging sword intent, feeling its power. Those around them couldn’t help but look over, observing the fluidity of the technique. For many, witnessing such mastery provided valuable insights for their own cultivation. With some even explaining the moves aloud, it felt like an impromptu lesson—one too good to miss.

 

Even Yue Ming glanced over, unable to resist admiring the fresh swordsmanship. However, his admiration lasted barely two seconds before he froze at the next move between Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo.

 

The reason? Chu Jinglan had naturally and effortlessly wrapped an arm around Xiao Mo’s waist.

 

The two moved in perfect sync, their sword-wielding hands clean and precise. Yet their intimate posture—front to back with every delicate movement of their fingers—radiated an undeniable closeness. It was as if they existed in a world of their own, where no one else could intrude.

 

And yet, there were people standing right beside them—not far at all.

 

When their next strike sent a wave of devastating sword energy crashing down, several onlookers couldn’t help but hiss softly.

 

Partly in awe of the brilliant technique—and partly from the overwhelming sweetness of their atmosphere.

 

It was too much—absolutely tooth-achingly sweet!

 

Chu Jinglan stopped his movements as Xiao Mo exclaimed excitedly: “That’s it! That’s exactly how it should feel—you’re amazing!”

 

“I’ve entered the Dao through the sword and experienced much more along the way. But you have exceptional intuition—you grasp things instantly.”

 

Still held by Chu Jinglan’s arm around his waist, Xiao Mo turned to face him and looped his arms around Chu Jinglan’s neck. His eyes curved into crescents as he smiled brightly: “I’m praising you for being incredible—just accept it.”

 

Chu Jinglan opened his mouth slightly: “I—”

 

But he didn’t get to finish his sentence because Xiao Mo sealed it with a kiss.

 

The sound of sharp intakes of breath echoed uniformly from those nearby as they quickly turned their faces away. Some instinctively covered their eyes—but unfortunately, their fingers spread wide enough to reveal glowing eyes and flushed cheeks beneath them.

 

Chu Jinglan’s pupils contracted briefly before he tightened his grip on Xiao Mo’s waist and pulled him fully into his embrace. Closing his eyes, he kissed him back.

 

Though surrounded by people, they kept the kiss relatively restrained—it wasn’t too deep. When they finally separated, Chu Jinglan’s fingers brushed against Xiao Mo’s lips. His gaze was intense—not from spiritual instability but from a dangerous fire ignited by the person before him.

 

Since leaving Du-E Sect, Xiao Mo had grown increasingly bold in his actions. He openly expressed closeness to Chu Jinglan at every opportunity without hesitation or restraint—showcasing their relationship with natural ease and intimacy. This level of candid affection was something Chu Jinglan had never imagined before.

 

Even three hundred years ago, when Chu Jinglan had been consumed by a desire for Xiao Mo to understand his feelings, he had never dared envision moments like this in his dreams of their future together.

 

Youth brought ignorance—and later… fear kept him from daring to hope.

 

Xiao Mo shattered the barriers between them, laying his heart bare before Chu Jinglan in the most direct and passionate way possible, determined to make him understand a simple truth.

 

Xiao Mo loved him.

 

Because of Chu Jinglan’s unstable spiritual consciousness and inner turmoil, Xiao Mo used every word, every action, to convey his feelings—delivering them straight into Chu Jinglan’s heart to soothe his wounds.

 

Chu Jinglan pulled Xiao Mo into his arms, resting his chin gently on Xiao Mo’s shoulder.

 

The person in his embrace… was truly too good.

 

Yue Ming lowered his head and covered his eyes with a hand. He had genuinely been happy for Chu Jinglan before, but now he realized he had been too hasty.

 

Back in the day, Mo Lan and Chu Jinglan had exuded a faint sweetness, but it was nothing compared to the boldness of the two now. If one were to draw a comparison, it was like the difference between a pair of inexperienced youths and an old married couple.

 

If he’d known it would hurt his eyes this much, Yue Ming thought bitterly, he should have vehemently opposed Chu Jinglan’s decision to join this mission. Why had he agreed so easily?

 

As the night passed, the group witnessed an exceptional swordsmanship lesson while also being force-fed an overwhelming dose of affection. Beyond that, all was peaceful—no enemies attacked.

 

At their current pace, it seemed the journey would take over ten days. The second day passed uneventfully as well. However, on the third day, someone finally showed up.

 

Five individuals arrived—all at Divided Spirit stage. Though they used rare artifacts to conceal their presence and aura, they were still discovered.

 

Four were demons, and one was a demon cultivator. They hadn’t come to rescue Fenxiu but to steal blood from him and then escape.

 

Unfortunately for them, as soon as they approached the group, Jun Bushu swiftly pinpointed their location and dispelled their invisibility.

 

Yue Ming glanced over and said dismissively: “Just a few Divided Spirit cultivators—no need for us to act. Capture them alive if possible; we’ll interrogate them.”

 

Ten Divided Spirit cultivators from the escort team moved in unison. As one of the demon cultivators tried to flee, Chu Jinglan intercepted him with a single sword strike. Turning to Xiao Mo, he said: “Your turn. Attack him using only sword intent—no music techniques.”

 

Clearly, he intended for Xiao Mo to use the demon cultivator as practice.

 

The demon cultivator understood their intent and felt deeply humiliated. The escort team only dared act so arrogantly because they had numbers on their side—and a few Great Perfection stage cultivators backing them up. Otherwise, how could two early-stage Divided Spirit juniors dare act so presumptuously?

 

He had already prepared a killing move. Though his invisibility had been broken, if he wanted to survive, he would carve out an opening here and fight his way to freedom!

 

Xiao Mo and the demon cultivator attacked simultaneously. Xiao Mo wielded his flute like a sword, unleashing sweeping waves of sword energy. The demon cultivator assumed Xiao Mo was primarily a music cultivator and rushed toward him at high speed to suppress him. To his surprise, Xiao Mo’s technique caused him a moment of genuine surprise—but then—

 

Xiao Mo said casually: “Ah… I missed.”

 

The demon cultivator’s heart soared with joy as he imagined taking down this junior in one decisive blow. But just as he launched his attack, it failed to land on Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo immediately raised his flute to his lips and used soundwaves to repel the demon cultivator. Before the latter could regain his footing, another sword strike pierced through the wind and snow—knocking him down completely.

 

Chu Jinglan twirled his sword elegantly before standing with it sheathed at his side. Without drawing attention to himself or taking credit for the move, he turned to Xiao Mo and said: “Again.”

 

Xiao Mo flipped the flute in his hand with renewed determination: “Coming!”

 

The demon cultivator: “…”

 

This is too much!

 

The demon cultivator spat out three mouthfuls of blood on the spot—whether from injuries or sheer frustration was unclear.

 

The demon cultivator spat out three mouthfuls of blood—whether from his injuries or sheer frustration, no one could tell.

 

The other disciples hesitated, unsure if they should step in to help.

 

Yue Ming: “…”

 

Even now, Chu Jinglan’s tendency to spoil someone hadn’t changed in the slightest, not even when he was being ruthless.

 

“Let the two of them handle the demon cultivator,” Yue Ming said through gritted teeth, turning his face away. “Just make sure the other four don’t escape!”

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter