Before the excitement of his breakthrough to the fifth layer of Qi Refining had fully settled, Tang Xiaoqi received a message from Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, asking him to visit his residence on the eastern side of the main peak—Listening Bamboo Garden—when he had time.
Xiao Qi dared not delay. After tidying his robes, he followed the path he remembered. Listening Bamboo Garden was quiet and secluded, with emerald bamboo planted throughout. When the wind passed, the rustling sounded like jade pendants chiming. The courtyard gate was unlatched. After Xiao Qi knocked gently, Senior Brother's warm voice came from within: 'Is that Xiao Qi? Come in.'
Pushing the door open, he saw Mu Qingfeng sitting at a stone table in the courtyard. On the table sat a pot of clear tea and two cups, steam rising gently. He still wore his elegant daoist robes, his temperament calm and steady, his expression peaceful. Seeing Xiao Qi, the corners of his mouth curved into a faint smile.
'Senior Brother.' Xiao Qi bowed respectfully.
'No need for such formality. Sit.' Mu Qingfeng indicated the stone stool opposite him and personally poured a cup of tea for Xiao Qi. 'I heard you recently broke through to the fifth layer of Qi Refining. Congratulations.'
The tea was emerald green and clear, with an elegant fragrance. Xiao Qi accepted it with both hands, thanked him, and said somewhat embarrassed, 'I was just lucky. I'm still far behind you and my other senior brothers and sisters.'
Mu Qingfeng shook his head slightly, looking at him with gentle eyes. 'On the path of cultivation, there is no need to compare yourself with others. You only need to be worthy of your own efforts. You haven't been in the sect long, and achieving this progress is no small feat. Your temperament is steady, neither impatient nor rash—that is a good thing.'
His words always had a way of bringing peace to one's heart. Listening to him, the slight pride that had arisen in Xiao Qi's heart from his breakthrough gradually settled down.
'Those who cultivate the Dao contend with heaven for their destiny and with themselves for excellence.' Mu Qingfeng's tone shifted, still peaceful but now carrying greater weight. 'The journey holds countless dangers—external demons and internal disturbances arise endlessly. Therefore, one's cultivation must encompass both offense and defense to walk this path more steadily and further.'
Xiao Qi listened attentively, knowing there must be deeper meaning in Senior Brother's words.
Mu Qingfeng retrieved a slightly yellowed, thread-bound book from his sleeve and gently placed it on the stone table, pushing it toward Xiao Qi. 'You've just begun your journey in cultivation, so your foundation is paramount. This Clear Wind Brushing Willows Sword Art is a basic sword technique, but it's no ordinary manual. What it contains is not merely a path of ruthless killing and aggressive strikes, but rather emphasizes the coordination between footwork and sword forms. It stresses overcoming hardness with softness and defeating strength with skill, seeking opportunities for counterattack within defense. For your current stage of solidifying fundamentals and understanding the interplay between spiritual energy circulation and martial forms, it should prove beneficial.'
Xiao Qi's gaze was instantly drawn to the sword manual. On its cover, the four characters 'Clear Wind Brushing Willows' were written in elegant strokes, seemingly radiating an ethereal, graceful quality. What he had practiced before was the sect's most common Basic Sword Techniques—simple, direct forms focused on familiarizing oneself with weapons and power generation. The manual Senior Brother was giving him, judging by its name and description, was clearly of a higher level, placing greater emphasis on the foundational elements of 'technique' and 'intent.'
His heart raced with excitement, yet he hesitated: 'Senior Brother, this... this is too precious. I...'
Mu Qingfeng waved his hand, interrupting his protest, and spoke gently: 'Cultivation manuals and secret techniques are valuable only when put to use. Even the most profound methods, if unpracticed, are nothing more than dust-covered paper. This sword art is of no use to me now—it would only sit idle in my possession. Since you call me Senior Brother, I give this to you, hoping you will practice diligently. Don't let it down, and don't let down your own potential.'
His words were sincere, carrying the care and expectations of an elder brother. Xiao Qi no longer hesitated. He accepted the Clear Wind Brushing Willows Sword Art with both hands and solemn gratitude. The manual felt slightly heavy in his hands, carrying the texture of years and the faint scent of ink.
'Thank you, Senior Brother! I will practice diligently and never let down your generous gift!' Xiao Qi rose and bowed deeply.
Mu Qingfeng nodded with a smile, indicating for him to sit. 'There are several key points to observe when cultivating this art.' He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and began explaining to Xiao Qi. From the spiritual energy circulation of the opening stance, to the timing of coordinating footwork with sword forms, to understanding the fusion of 'clear wind's' swiftness and 'brushing willows'' flexibility... His explanations were clear and accessible, well-organized. Often, just a few words would illuminate the confusion Xiao Qi had encountered while practicing the Basic Sword Techniques.
Xiao Qi listened as if in a trance, feeling as though a new window had opened before him. His understanding of 'the sword' was no longer limited to simple hacking, slashing, and thrusting—he could now see the broader world contained within. Sometimes he pondered deeply, sometimes he raised questions, and Mu Qingfeng patiently answered each one.
Unknowingly, the sun had shifted westward. The tea in the cups grew cold and was refilled, then grew cold again.
'Let's stop here for today.' Mu Qingfeng glanced at the sky and spoke gently. 'The way of the sword lies in persistent practice and comprehension. Remember—don't bite off more than you can chew. Progress gradually. Practice each form until it becomes second nature, only then can you wield it at will in combat and unleash its full effect.'
'Yes, Senior Brother. I will remember.' Xiao Qi responded respectfully, committing every word of his senior brother's teaching to heart.
When he left Listening Bamboo Garden, Xiao Qi carried the weighty Clear Wind Brushing Willows Sword Art in his robes, and his heart was filled with profound gratitude and motivation. Third Senior Sister's gift of pills helped him consolidate his foundation, while Senior Brother's gift of the sword manual pointed the way forward and completed his offensive and defensive capabilities.
The sunset's afterglow stretched his shadow long. He didn't return directly to the disciples' quarters but detoured to that secluded slope behind the mountain he often visited. Finding a flat stone to sit on, he eagerly opened the sword manual to its first page.
The opening wasn't a series of illustrated forms, but a passage on the philosophy of sword cultivation. It emphasized: 'Heart calm as a lake, body moving like wind, sword extending like willow, intent guarding the center.' Just these few opening lines clarified the vague sensations he had experienced while practicing sword techniques before.
He carefully studied the first few illustrated forms and their key principles. His fingers unconsciously traced the diagrams as his mind simulated the paths of spiritual energy circulation. Compared to that Basic Sword Techniques manual, this Clear Wind Brushing Willows Sword Art was indeed more refined, demanding greater control over spiritual energy and better coordination of body movements.
He knew he had a new goal now. While consolidating his fifth layer of Qi Refining cultivation, he must master this sword art as quickly as possible. This wasn't just for improving his strength, but to live up to Senior Brother's generous hopes.
Night gradually fell, and stars began to appear. Xiao Qi closed the sword manual but didn't leave. He shut his eyes, reviewing again and again in his mind Senior Brother's explanations and the manual's diagrams, until those images were deeply etched into his consciousness.
The path of cultivation requires both offense and defense. Senior Brother's words still rang in his ears. He clenched his fist, feeling the weight of the sword manual against his chest, and gazed up at the star-filled sky. His eyes were firm and bright. Though fog and danger lay ahead on his path, he now gripped his 'sword' tightly, with the confidence to move forward and protect what mattered. He would practice ceaselessly, walking this path with unwavering determination, one step at a time.