[Calculation complete!]
[Reward: 3x Minor Cultivation Realm]
[Cultivation: Qi-Refinement Peak Stage!]
[Congratulation, you have reached (Peak of Qi-Refinement).]
Shi Jing smile grew wider as the notification disappear. With a deep breath, he inhaled a wave of spiritual essence.
"Another unexpected reward!" He murmured, tightening his fist as he stare into the distant where Chen Lian left.
The wave of spiritual essence surge within his body.
Firstly, reaching the peak realm mastery for the One Autumn Stroke was already a fortune, not to mention, completing the first time achievement again.
"I have a feeling it is better to farm first time achievement instead of painstakingly cultivate…" Of course, It was just a passing thought.
After all, the first time achievement was difficult to complete as well as being a one-time opportunity.
This reasoning alone made it insufficient to rely on them long term.
At the same time, with his new reward and cultivation, he had another thought.
With peak realm of mastery, combine with his Peak Qi-Refinement cultivation, as well as the element of surprise from his ghostly concealment, can he kill a foundation establishment?
He shook his head and lift the stick in his hand, then waved it gently toward the orchid tree.
His gesture was graceful and soft, like skipping a pebble against the surface of a lake.
The surrounding was quiet and still, his sleeve flapped but nothing happened.
Seeing this, Shi Jing got up with a smile and headed toward Ming Muwan's courtyard.
"It's already about time to go the Sword Cloud Manor… Before that, I must see what senior Ming Feng autumn stroke look like!"
As his back faced the orchid tree, a thin horizontal line appeared on the orchid tree in the middle.
It was small and imperceptible, so subtle even the orchid tree itself didn't realized it was cut.
…
The Ming family estate was already bustling with morning activity when Shi Jing made his way toward the inner courtyard.
Servants hurried about their duties, and he could hear the distant sounds of sword practice echoing from the training grounds.
Ming Muwan's courtyard was located in the western wing, marked by delicate plum blossoms that had begun to bloom despite the autumn chill.
As he approached, he could hear the soft swish of sword movements and the occasional bitter grunt.
She was practicing in the small garden, her white robes flowing as she moved through a series of basic sword forms.
Her movements were precise but lacked the fluid grace that came with higher level of understanding.
When she noticed his approach, she immediately sheathed her sword and bowed respectfully.
"Your sword is too stiff, it lacks a sense of freedom to it. If you loosened your grip, I have a feeling you will gain some improvement."
He said with a smile.
"Sir Jing," She shuddered, his words lingers in the back of her mind.
"I heard about your... encounter with Elder Chen yesterday."
Shi Jing nodded briefly.
"Word travels fast."
"Father was quite pleased," she continued, studying his expression carefully. "He rarely shows such approval for anyone outside our family."
"Your father has been generous," Shi Jing replied, his tone remained neutral but not cold.
"He mentioned I should find you when I'm ready to observe the One Autumn Stroke demonstration."
Ming Muwan's eyes lit up slightly.
"Of course! Father is expecting you in the main hall."
"He's been waiting since dawn, actually." She paused, then added more quietly, " He seem quite eager…."
As they walked together toward the training hall, a comfortable silence settled between them.
Shi Jing found himself stealing glances at her profile. These glance were filled with gratitude.
Since his transmigration, she was the first person he met and he was treated with great hospitality.
"Miss Ming," He said suddenly, causing her to look up at him, who is just slightly taller.
"I wanted to thank you."
She blinked in surprise, not expecting the sudden words of gratitude.
"Thank me? For what?"
"For being my guide." His voice was quiet as he continues, " Without our meeting that day in the forest, I would still be wandering aimlessly."
A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she looked down at her feet.
"You saved my life, Sir Jing. If anything, it should be the opposite..."
Shi Jing thought about the appearance of Li Yao, as well as the lingering shadow he sensed in the past few days and shook his head.
"Perhaps we're even then," He said with the light chuckle.
Inwardly, Ming Muwan was a little flabbergasted.
She had interact with many people her age, yet all of them didn't seem to have Shi Jing demeanor.
At times, she felt like a kid when talking to him. This sensation was peculiar to her.
Before she could respond, they arrived at the entrance to the training hall.
Ming Muwan stopped and turned to face him, her expression serious.
"Sir Jing... at the Sword Cloud Manor, please be careful. Not everyone there will be as... straightforward as Elder Chen, or my father..."
Shi Jing studied her face, noting her genuine concern.
It was an unfamiliar feeling, having someone worry about your wellbeing who had nothing to gain from it.
He himself is a selfish person who believe in self interest and thus, pursue self benefits. So this feeling was a bit peculiar.
"I'll keep that in mind," He said simply.
She nodded and pushed open the heavy wooden doors.
"Father, Sir Jing is here to see you."
Ming Feng's voice echoed from within the spacious hall.
"Excellent! Come, young friend. Let this old man gift you this present before your departure."
As Shi Jing stepped into the training hall, he found himself glancing back once more at Ming Muwan.
Meeting his gaze, she offered him a small, encouraging smile before quietly closing the doors behind them.
"The first person to guide me out of that forest," He thought inwardly," This person is worth remembering..."
But as Ming Feng flicked a sword at him, all such sentimental thoughts and feelings were swept away.
Swish!
The sword flew straight for his eyes, aiming to pierce through his glabella.