My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 423 A Heart-to-Heart Talk Between Master and Disciple: Hidden and Revealed

The morning glow illuminates the rising sun, and a gentle breeze dispels the thin mist.

Jinghonghai has no summer or winter; it's like spring all year round, with gentle breezes and warm sunshine. (Note)

After Sword Island closed, Hundred Swords Pavilion returned to its former tranquility.

The wind still blew on Listening Wind Cliff. Nangong Xue sat in the alchemy room and suddenly received a telepathic message.

Upon learning the outcome of the Sword Island incident, she was surprised but couldn't help but smile, a smile that carried a hint of relief and pride.

She then quietly tidied herself up and left the alchemy room.

Back at her residence, Nangong Xue carefully arranged several plates of spiritual fruits and took out a pot of long-treasured spiritual wine, the liquid as clear as amber, filling two wine cups.

At that moment, she seemed to suddenly have the urge to confide in someone.

Finally, Chu Lengyu's figure came into view, and Nangong Xue immediately went to greet her, took her hand, and sat down together on the edge of the cliff.

A gentle breeze, carrying a touch of coolness, was blowing, yet it was also refreshing and invigorating.

The two chatted over drinks, discussing everything from interesting stories within the sect to the history of the Nangong family, and her findings from researching alchemy formulas...

Nangong Xue had cultivated Taoism for decades and had never had such a relaxed moment.

In her childhood, she was always told by her elders about the glory of the Nangong family, the family's expectations, and that she must strive to make the family proud.

Those pressures were ever-present, making her afraid to relax at any moment.

Later, on her path of cultivation, she progressed smoothly, but she remained constantly vigilant. Human hearts are unpredictable; even with her sincere heart, she was always met with suspicion.

That loneliness and helplessness often left her feeling sad and heartbroken in the quiet of the night.

But now, she wants to talk to Chu Lengyu, not as a master and disciple, but as a friend.

A light blush appeared on Nangong Xue's cheeks, clearly indicating that the effects of the spirit wine had relaxed her mind.

"Leng Yu, do you know that the Seven Swordsmen of Jinghong a hundred years ago were the pride of the sect and my youthful aspirations?" she said softly, her expression filled with longing.

They were in their prime, with superb swordsmanship, symbolizing a glorious era. Chu Lengyu smiled slightly, understanding Nangong Xue's feelings.

"But the good times didn't last long. The Seven Swordsmen of Jinghong gradually fell apart. Some retired due to injuries, some died for various reasons, and some..." Nangong Xue's voice gradually lowered. She shook her head and did not continue.

Chu Lengyu gently comforted her, "Life is unpredictable."

Nangong Xue nodded. She knew that what Chu Lengyu said was true, but she still felt a little lost.

She turned to look at Chu Lengyu, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Lengyu, I have heard about your performance on Sword Island today. Your sword, your path, may truly surpass them and make you a new legend of the Hundred Swords Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu knew that Nangong Xue had high expectations for her, and nodded solemnly: "I will try my best."

Even if she betrays this trust in the future, she will not become an enemy of the Hundred Swords Pavilion.

Nangong Xue smiled with satisfaction, raised her glass, and gestured to Chu Lengyu: "Come on, cheers."

Chu Lengyu also raised her wine cup, and the two gently clinked their cups together before drinking the spirit wine in one gulp.

The wine warmed me as it went down my throat.

Nangong Xue put down her wine cup, picked up a spiritual fruit, and handed it to Chu Lengyu: "Try this. It's a unique spiritual fruit of the Nangong family, and it's good for your cultivation."

Chu Lengyu took the spiritual fruit, took a bite, and found it sweet, juicy, and full of spiritual energy. She immediately praised it.

The two sat on the edge of the cliff, enjoying spiritual fruits and wine while chatting about the past of their sect, finding a rare moment of relaxation.

As Nangong Xue became more intoxicated, she became more talkative, and her eyes softened considerably.

"Leng Yu, do you know, the first time I saw you, I sensed that you were different from others." Nangong Xue was slightly drunk, but she seemed exceptionally sincere. "At that time, I thought that this child would definitely be extraordinary in the future."

Chu Lengyu simply smiled and said humbly, "I owe my success today to your careful guidance."

Nangong Xue waved her hand, indicating that she didn't need to be too modest: "I have seen your talent and your hard work. All your achievements are by no means accidental. I just did what I should do."

Nangong Xue knew that Chu Lengyu had been hiding all along.

But now that she is willing to draw her sword and break the sword pool on Sword Island, perhaps it is because the part of her that she has been hiding is finally willing to reveal a little.

"Leng Yu, your amazing performance on Sword Island has already won the unanimous recognition of the entire sect."

Nangong Xue spoke with pride, took a sip of the spirit wine, and continued.

"Your senior brother, the sect leader, intends to put more pressure and challenges on you, so that you will have the opportunity to see the true geniuses of this world and compete with them."

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu's eyes flashed with surprise, but it was quickly replaced by anticipation: "I am willing to accept the challenge."

Nangong Xue was extremely satisfied with her answer and continued, "A month from now, a celestial ship will set sail to transport a batch of extremely important goods to the vicinity of Qianlan Sect. This journey is not only related to the sect's interests and reputation, but also a rare opportunity for you to understand the vastness of the outside world."

Nangong Xue's words carried a deeper meaning.

She hoped that Chu Lengyu could seize this opportunity to not only complete the escort mission, but also step onto a bigger stage, broaden her horizons, and increase her knowledge.

Upon hearing this, various pieces of information about the Thousand Mist Sect flashed through Chu Lengyu's mind.

As a superior sect of the Hundred Swords Pavilion, the Thousand Mist Sect possesses strength and influence that far surpasses that of the Hundred Swords Pavilion.

It encompasses thousands of islands, making it a true maritime behemoth.

The destination of this immortal ship that is about to set sail to escort goods is probably not the Thousand Mist Sect itself, but the branch of the Myriad Star Alliance in that sea area.

According to the information Chu Lengyu had previously gathered, the Wanxing Alliance branch had been basically completed and was just waiting to be officially put into use.

The vastness of the Minghai Realm meant that tickets and invitations for the auction had to be sent to various sects and families in advance.

Those forces located further away, fearing they might miss this grandest auction, had already set off.

This will indeed be a rare opportunity for growth and experience.

Chu Lengyu immediately replied, "I am willing to carry out this escort mission and will do my best to live up to the expectations of my sect."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Xue smiled and gently patted Chu Lengyu's shoulder, saying, "Go ahead. I believe you will be able to complete this mission successfully and bring glory to the Hundred Swords Pavilion."

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Note:

The morning glow illuminates the rising sun, a gentle breeze dispels the thin mist. — He Xun, "Dawn Departure" (Southern and Northern Dynasties)

How lovely is the gentle breeze and warm sunshine! Yet, even the warbling of orioles and swallows pales in comparison. — Song Dynasty, Zhu Shuzhen, "Visiting the Golden Gate: Mid-Spring"