Chapter 47: The Dragon in the Abyss, Sword Sheathed

Lu Chengfeng carefully wiped his sword blade with deerskin and, with a crisp clang, sheathed his sword. "Senior Brothers, you flatter me. I had never been exposed to the true inheritance of the inner peaks before, nor had I any experience battling monsters."

"It's only with the guidance from all of you and through life-and-death combat that I've managed to make some modest progress," he said, his tone humble and with genuine gratitude toward his companions.

"My current cultivation level is only a result of using up all my previous accumulation. From here on, it'll be slow and steady refinement."

His words, filled with humility and appreciation, lightened the expressions of Xu Changge and Duan Li, who had previously felt a bit complex about his remarkable progress. They began to see Lu Chengfeng as a valuable connection, thinking it wise to be on good terms with such a talented junior. With his potential, it wouldn't be surprising if he rose to the rank of elder one day.

Only Lu Lingxi remained silent, saying nothing from start to finish. Yet if anyone understood Lu Chengfeng's strength the best, it was her, having fought alongside him all this time.

"Lu Chengfeng's abilities are undoubtedly deeper than what he reveals. He handles beasts with ease, his every move perfectly measured, never wasting an ounce of energy," she thought. "He's as composed as a seasoned warrior, with swordsmanship as keen and seasoned as Senior Brother Tan Xiong's. He must be holding back."

Having fought alongside him on multiple occasions, Lu Lingxi noticed that while she pushed herself to her limits, Lu Chengfeng never seemed strained, always maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor. The past two weeks had only highlighted this difference. No matter what dangers they faced while hunting monsters, Lu Chengfeng always managed to resolve them with an effortless, almost casual elegance.

His composed presence reminded her of the inner peak elders.

"This junior brother of ours is a rare prodigy, one who knows the value of patience, concealing his sword and biding his time. Not only does he have exceptional talent, but he also possesses foresight, interpersonal tact, and meticulous planning."

"With time, he will undoubtedly become a pivotal figure in the sect. Perhaps even ascending to the highest ranks isn't out of reach."

Lu Lingxi held an unexpectedly high regard for Lu Chengfeng, though none present could have guessed her thoughts.

After the group finished efficiently dismantling the tiger demon's carcass and clearing the site, Tan Xiong breathed a sigh of relief. With a smile, he addressed the others, "Junior brothers, junior sister, after more than a month of fighting and endless pursuit, we can finally bring this to a close."

"I received word from the sect that our task here is complete. We can now return to the Administrative Hall to settle our contributions. Any remaining monsters will be handled by the Slaughter Hall."

Hearing this, everyone's faces brightened. The prolonged, intense hunting missions had not only been physically exhausting but had also taken a toll on their spirits. With the task finally ending, they couldn't help but feel a collective sense of relief, and the atmosphere lightened.

Xu Changge burst into laughter. "Including this tiger demon, we've hunted thirteen demons in total. I doubt many can compare with us among the inner peak disciples. The contribution points we've accumulated this time should be enough to trade for a good batch of elixirs, helping us advance in our inner cultivation."

For these inner peak disciples, progressing in martial skills was achievable with steady effort, far surpassing the outer peak disciples in ability. But inner cultivation was far more challenging, requiring not only consistent dedication but also precious elixirs and rare materials.

Since resources in the sect were limited, disciples needed contribution points to exchange for the items they desired—whether weapons, manuals, or pills. In times without monster tides, gaining so many contribution points would require years of hard work, so Xu Changge's excitement was understandable.

Lu Lingxi, however, added calmly, "I heard that the three elites of the sect went deep into the marsh alone and each hunted down a major demon."

Her words brought an awkward, tense silence to the group.

Tan Xiong's face turned somber. To most disciples, the three prodigies were like towering mountains casting a shadow over them, difficult to match. Though people often spoke of the "Three Elites, Seven Masters," Tan Xiong understood well that, despite the slight difference in rank, the gap between them and those three was as vast as heaven and earth.

Even though they were hailed as the Seven Masters and were renowned within the sect, only a handful of them would likely overcome that critical boundary.

The eighteenth level in swordsmanship was also called the peak of technique and the limit of the ordinary. Beyond it lay a threshold—"Heaven's Gate," a transformative, elevating step.

In swordsmanship, mastering sword intent and breaking through Heaven's Gate meant stepping onto a path of ascension.

For those who succeeded, the world was theirs, establishing them as legends in the martial world. Failure meant returning to the mundane, living out their days as ordinary mortals.

Tan Xiong knew all too well that, compared to the sect's three prodigies, he and his peers were miles apart in strength and position.

"Sword intent…" he muttered with a sigh, his grip tightening on his copper staff. Despite his natural talent, even he hadn't come close to understanding sword intent.

Though Xu Changge and Duan Li hadn't encountered this threshold themselves, they had heard tales of its difficulty and remained confident. Being young and ambitious, they were not dissuaded, still believing they would one day surpass it.

Duan Li replied coldly, "We are not necessarily inferior. With diligent practice, the day will come when we'll break through Heaven's Gate ourselves. Why should we envy others?"

Xu Changge added with a hearty laugh, "Exactly. With Senior Brother Tan's talent and foundation, it won't be long before he breaks through as well."

Tan Xiong gave a wry smile, unwilling to debate the matter. Only those who had reached Heaven's Gate understood the despair it brought.

"Thank you for your kind words. Since our task is complete, let's make our way back."

With the day drawing to a close, the group wasted no time and headed swiftly out of the Bewitching Marsh.

Lu Chengfeng maintained a calm expression but had quietly listened to every word exchanged. He could keenly sense Tan Xiong's mindset, perhaps better than anyone else.

In just this one month, he had already mastered the Phantom Sword Technique and Thousand Shadows Footwork up to the eighteenth level. His martial prowess now rivaled the Seven Masters within the sect.

Moreover, by absorbing the teachings of an elder from the inner peaks, Lu Chengfeng's practical combat and sword skills had reached extraordinary heights, surpassing even his companions in subtlety and mastery.

Such swift improvement was nearly unheard of, his advancement in swordsmanship from the Bixiao Sword Manual reaching the fifteenth level. If his true abilities were exposed, it would shock the entire sect, drawing everyone's admiration.

But Lu Chengfeng had no desire to flaunt his skills. To others, he only displayed the Bixiao Sword Manual, keeping his progress in the Phantom Sword Technique a closely guarded secret.

"Now that the beast tide is coming to an end, there's another matter I should settle." His eyes lowered, a cold glint of killing intent flashing within them.

Just then, as they walked together, Lu Lingxi spoke up unexpectedly. "Junior Brother Lu, if you're ever free in the future, would it be possible to seek your insights on swordsmanship?"

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