Chapter 18: Unmatched Genius and the Fragmented Legacy

Elder Yun Mo looked at Lu Chengfeng, deliberating for a moment before speaking, "I had come here intending to take you as my disciple. Now, midway through, I must abandon that intention. Though there are hidden reasons, it would be unbecoming of me to leave without a proper parting."

"Very well. Since fate has allowed us to meet, I shall gift you something to aid your cultivation. May you one day become a pillar of our sect."

With these words, he removed the sheathed sword from his back, drew the blade, and handed the jet-black scabbard, lined with dark golden patterns, to Lu Chengfeng.

"This scabbard is called 'Hidden Edge.' It is an ancient treasure I once stumbled upon. Not only does it preserve a blade's sharpness, but it also nourishes both sword and wielder in mysterious ways."

"It has been my invaluable companion during my years of cultivation, but now that my skills are reaching maturity, it serves little purpose for me."

"Today, I gift it to you, hoping it will assist you in your journey."

Lu Chengfeng understood that Elder Yun Mo's decision was final. Suppressing a sigh, he replied, "Elder, it is my misfortune not to have a connection with Yellow Dragon Peak. I cannot accept a treasure that has served you so long."

"Please, I ask you to take the Hidden Edge scabbard back."

Elder Yun Mo smiled, giving the scabbard a small shake, causing it to land perfectly in Lu Chengfeng's hands.

"Once given, I do not take back my gifts. Cultivate well at Mysterious Crane Peak. If you succeed in mastering the legacy, your future will be bright."

"May I one day see you grow into another talent for our sect, and then I shall consider our meeting today to have been worthwhile."

With that, Elder Yun Mo returned his sword to his back, then turned and departed without a glance back.

After Yun Mo's departure, Lu Chengfeng felt the air around him grow colder. He turned slightly to find Zhu Yuxian looking at him with a faint, unreadable smile.

"Well, my dear disciple, are you not going to officially bow and pay respects to your master?"

Though Lu Chengfeng harbored deep reservations, he dared not show reluctance. Too much hesitation would certainly raise suspicion.

It was one thing for him to be Zhao Changzhen's disciple; it was another entirely to know about Zhao's possible dealings with Zhu Yuxian. His reaction should be one of excitement and gratitude at becoming the disciple of a grand elder.

Thus, without a moment's hesitation, he knelt and announced, "Disciple Lu Chengfeng pays respects to Master."

Zhu Yuxian rose from her seat, her alluring figure swaying as she approached him. Her delicate fragrance drifted around him, yet instead of feeling enchanted, Lu Chengfeng felt his guard rise.

"My, my… Are you that tense around me?" she laughed softly. "Afraid I might eat you?"

Keeping his gaze lowered, Lu Chengfeng replied, "This disciple has never seen such beauty and fears making a fool of himself in Master's presence. I beg your forgiveness."

She chuckled, a sound as captivating as her appearance. "You really know how to flatter, don't you?"

With a playful pat on her chest, her movements made her figure ripple in ways that would turn anyone's head. However, both men in the room appeared more intimidated than enchanted.

"Well, aren't you a bore? Just like Little Tong." Zhu Yuxian's smile vanished, replaced by an icy demeanor that chilled the room.

This woman was indeed unpredictable—charming one moment and cold the next. Her sudden shifts in mood, accompanied by an overwhelming aura, filled the room with a pressure that Lu Chengfeng feared he'd have to endure regularly in the days ahead. He had thought he was on the path to a brighter future after earning renown and receiving offers to become a disciple. Yet now, he felt as if he'd stepped into the jaws of a tiger.

Zhu Yuxian's next words startled him even more, as she addressed him with a serious tone.

"Lu Chengfeng," she began.

He quickly replied, "Yes, Master."

"Now that you're under my tutelage, I need to make some things clear," she said, her voice carrying none of its earlier charm. She now appeared as ethereal and distant as a celestial maiden, untouchable.

"I took you as my disciple because I intend for you to inherit my late husband's legacy. He was once one of the sect's finest talents, having rendered great service and even been titled the sect's successor, supported by the elders of all five peaks."

"My late husband had grand aspirations. He sought to simplify the 'Five Elements Extinction Radiant Sword,' the sect's ultimate sword art. Though it is immensely powerful and can dominate the world, only the most exceptional geniuses among us have ever mastered it."

"With permission from the sect leader, he delved into the sword arts of the five peaks, studying the Five Elements Extinction Radiant Sword. He intended to establish a foundational technique that would pave the way for mastery of this supreme art."

Lu Chengfeng was utterly engrossed, shocked by this revelation. That a woman as suspect as Zhu Yuxian could nearly have become the wife of a sect leader was a disturbing notion.

"My husband trained in seclusion for many years, but upon mastering his new techniques, he ventured deep into the Yun Cang Mountains to test his skills by hunting a beast king."

"But he was ambushed by elites from rival factions."

"Though he fought valiantly, the odds were against him. Yet he did not die in vain—of the twenty-three who assaulted him, only three left alive."

"All these years, I have worked to compile the remnants of his work, striving to pass down the techniques he crafted."

Zhu Yuxian fixed Lu Chengfeng with a grave look. "The martial arts he left behind are incomplete, making cultivation difficult and fraught with danger."

"But if you succeed in mastering it, you will have the full support of the sect, perhaps even gain the favor of the sect leader. If you aim high, the sect's future could even rest in your hands."

"Zhou Tong is a disciple of my husband, and he has dedicated countless hours to studying these techniques under my guidance. Yet his efforts have yielded little, only setting back his own cultivation."

"Know this now—if you can master even a part of these techniques, I will do everything in my power to aid your growth."

"But should you find them unworkable and wish to transfer to another path, I will not stand in your way."

"Well? What do you say?"

Lu Chengfeng bowed deeply once more. "Master, I swear I will devote myself fully to this, and I will not disappoint you."

Yet even as he spoke, he secretly hoped for fai

lure. Perhaps then he might have a chance to escape her clutches and join another peak.