Chapter 32: Contacting Fellow Disciples

Lu Chengfeng made his way up Jade Immortal Peak, just in time to see Zhu Yuxian descending gracefully from the sky, her lightness skill so ethereal that it seemed as though a mere breeze carried her down. This kind of skill was beyond anything Lu Chengfeng had imagined. Only last night, he had witnessed sword energy piercing the sky, and now, here she was, gliding through the air with impossible grace.

In just these past couple of days, everything he had seen had shattered his former understanding of martial arts.

"Disciple greets Master," Lu Chengfeng quickly stepped forward and saluted as Zhu Yuxian landed before the palace gates.

"You've come at the right time," she said as she settled lightly onto the ground. "The disturbances at Dragon Confinement Abyss are stirring up a beast tide that will soon sweep across Yuncang. Everyone in the sect, from the elders to the outer-peak disciples, will be mobilized."

"Now that you are under my tutelage and officially a true disciple, you'll have some responsibilities. Prepare yourself, as tasks may be assigned as early as this afternoon," she instructed casually before adding, "Since you joined my sect not long ago and now face these trials, if you have any requests, speak up, and I will do my best to fulfill them."

Lu Chengfeng's heart stirred. He knew that if he requested a renowned sword or precious pills to aid his cultivation, she would likely grant them without hesitation. However, he had another idea and, after a respectful bow, replied, "Master, if I may be so bold, I'd like to request access to the 'Mysterious Crane Thousand Shadows Sword Technique' to cross-reference it with my current skills and improve my training. I humbly ask for your permission."

Hearing his request, Zhu Yuxian's expression shifted slightly, a faint frown crossing her face. With a flick of her sleeve, she finally replied, "Fine, suit yourself."

Looking toward Zhou Tong, she said, "Zhou Tong, retrieve my handwritten copy of the 'Mysterious Crane Thousand Shadows Sword Technique' from the third shelf in my study."

"Once you've given him the manual, come see me. I have something for you to do."

With that, she turned and left without another word to Lu Chengfeng.

Watching her depart, Zhou Tong couldn't help but sigh. "Junior Brother, why insist on this? The Five Elements Return Sword Canon left by our late Master is in no way inferior to the absolute techniques of the other peaks. By doing this, you risk truly angering the Master!"

Lu Chengfeng noticed the shift in Zhu Yuxian's attitude but had his reasons and could only reply to Zhou Tong, "Senior Brother, perhaps I lack the talent for the Five Elements Return Sword Canon. I only hoped to explore another approach to see if I might gain some new insights."

Zhou Tong shook his head with a sigh, resigned. "What's done is done. Wait here; I'll be back shortly."

Not long after, Zhou Tong returned, carrying a thick scroll of martial arts scripture encased in a redwood box, which he handed to Lu Chengfeng.

Taking it from him, Lu Chengfeng expressed his thanks, preparing to leave.

Zhou Tong, watching his junior brother depart, looked saddened. "Most of the true disciples in our sect disregard the Five Elements Return Sword Canon, and now it seems even Junior Brother Lu does as well. What a pity!"

"In the end, it looks like Master's legacy will fall to me alone… Yet I…" Feeling a profound loneliness settle over him, Zhou Tong turned and headed back to the Hall of Immortals.

…

After leaving Jade Immortal Peak, Lu Chengfeng didn't return directly to Cangxiao Peak. Instead, he went to the Department of General Affairs, where all servants, handmaids, and hired hands who sought entrance to the sect had to go through screening. Those assigned to the various peaks were managed by this department, making its staff well-acquainted with the sect's logistics.

One former registered disciple of Cangxiao Peak had used some connections and money to secure a minor position there. Although it was a lowly job with complex tasks, it offered some stability. Lu Chengfeng headed straight for this disciple, named Cai Zhang, and asked a few of the department's members if they could summon him. Before long, Cai Zhang emerged, surprised and delighted.

"Senior Brother! It's really you who came to find me? I was baffled when someone said someone was here for me—I don't really know anyone else here. I didn't expect it to be you."

He seemed genuinely taken aback, yet clearly thrilled. "I heard you passed the true disciple examination for the inner peaks and were taken as a disciple by an elder on Jade Immortal Peak. I always knew that with your talent, you wouldn't stay unknown here. And now, in just a short time, your name is well-known across the peaks—I've even heard of you in the Department of General Affairs!"

Lu Chengfeng smiled, noticing that Cai Zhang's words had attracted attention from some nearby disciples who looked over with surprise. "Cai, would you mind stepping aside with me for a moment?"

Cai Zhang paused. "Senior Brother, wait here a moment while I inform the overseer—I'll be right back."

From this, Lu Chengfeng gathered that Cai Zhang was indeed in a lowly position, unable to leave even briefly without permission. Although he didn't like inconveniencing others for his own matters, he had little choice given the importance of this task. "I appreciate it, Junior Brother."

Cai Zhang, knowing his senior brother's character from their years together, realized this must be serious. "No need for formalities between us. Wait here; I'll be quick."

He hurried back to speak with the overseer. Lu Chengfeng expected it might take a while, but soon saw Cai Zhang returning, along with a middle-aged overseer, who gestured in Lu Chengfeng's direction, saying something.

Not wanting to intrude, Lu Chengfeng gave the overseer a respectful bow from a distance.

The overseer returned the gesture, exchanged a few more words with Cai Zhang, who then ran over, grinning.

"All done, Senior Brother. Let's go."

After they left the Department of General Affairs, Cai Zhang chuckled. "The overseer, who has a reputation for being fickle and harsh with those without connections, usually makes it difficult for me to even take a break without paying him off. But as soon as I mentioned your name, he granted me half a day's leave without deducting my wages. Looks like I'm already basking in your influence, Senior Brother!"

Lu Chengfeng couldn't help but laugh at the story. "We share the same roots in Cangxiao Peak. If you ever face any real trouble or need assistance, don't hesitate to come to me."

"In that case, I'll take you up on it someday, haha!" Having experienced the reality of working in General Affairs, Cai Zhang seemed to have gained a little confidence and was happy to forge closer ties.

"Just don't complain when I start visiting frequently!"

"You really have changed; much more open than before. They say time and experience change people, and it looks like you're no exception." Lu Chengfeng complimented him with a smile.

As they chatted, they arrived at a teahouse run by the Department of General Affairs. Securing a quiet private room on the second floor, they waited as the server brought their tea before quietly stepping away, leaving the room tranquil.

Holding his teacup, the rising steam shrouded Lu Chengfeng's face in a slight mist.

Seeing his expression, Cai Zhang placed his own cup down and, with a serious tone, said, "I can tell you have something important to discuss, Seni

or Brother. Whatever you need, just say the word—I'll do everything I can."