On the peaks of the Profound Star Sect, the snow covering the surface gradually melted away. Under the gentle breeze of spring, tender sprouts broke through the soil.

However, within this sealed cave, it was still as cold as a winter’s day. The originally gray stone surface was covered with a layer of frost. The moisture in the air condensed into ice crystals the moment it entered the cave, falling to the ground.

Seated in the center of the cave, Pei Lengxue opened her eyes. She exhaled a white mist and then looked around. Seeing that her senior brother was still not here, a hint of disappointment appeared on her face.

“Stinky senior brother– I reached the age of maturity a month ago, why hasn’t he brought me a gift yet! Hmph~”

Pei Lengxue pouted, but after a while, she smiled and let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew.”

Of course, she understood that during the Foundation Building process, even the slightest disturbance was not allowed. That’s why this Spirit Gathering Array was built inside the cave, and soundproof arrays were set up around it. Even if the mountains collapsed outside, there would be no sound inside.

She just wanted to complain a little.

But at the same time, she was looking forward to it…

‘I wonder what gift senior brother has prepared for me… I really want to get out soon. I haven’t seen him in so long… I miss him so much.’

At the same time, she was also a little worried…

‘By the way, Yunluo and that idiot should have completed their Foundation Building a long time ago… Will they tell senior brother about it?’

Pei Lengxue hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.

‘Never mind, it’s useless to think about it. The most important thing is to complete my Foundation Building as soon as possible.’

With that, she closed her eyes again, straightened her back, and once again redirected her spiritual energy throughout her body to continue her Foundation Building.

… …

At the Sky Cloud Peak martial arena, numerous disciples gathered around the central fighting stage, their gazes fixed on Ye Anping, who was dressed in a moon-white long robe.

Among them, many were Ye Anping’s regular customers, so when they heard that Ye Anping had come to Sky Cloud Peak for a sword trial with Elder Qin, they immediately put down their work and rushed over to watch the excitement.

“How long do you think Young Master Ye can last on the stage?”

“I estimate he’ll probably lose within three moves. After all, it’s Elder Qin. But then again, Young Master Ye has already reached Foundation Building in just a few months, right? I remember the last time I visited his shop, he was only at the fifth or sixth level of Qi Refining. His cultivation speed is really impressive, isn’t it?”

“Others might find it surprising, but he’s a young master of a sects, and he also knows medical treatment. What’s so surprising about that? It would be strange if he weren’t capable,” remarked some of the male disciples, both amazed at Ye Anping’s cultivation speed and eager to bet on how long he could hold out against Elder Qin.

On the other hand, the female disciples had a different attitude. Many of them visited Ye Anping’s shop for medical treatments, primarily attracted by his good looks.

“Go for it, Young Master Ye!”

“Young Master Ye, be careful not to get hurt!”

“Elder Qin, don’t hit Young Master Ye’s face!”

Ye Anping had never expected so many people to come and watch his sword trial with Qin Ruyi. He didn’t know what expression to put on, but he had no intention of changing his plan.

He planned to hold out for about three moves and then lose quickly. Moreover, he could only use the sword techniques of the Hundred Lotus Sect to fight. He absolutely couldn’t use the Shadowmoon Sword Sect’s Sword Inquiry Technique.

The Sword Inquiry Technique was just like the Shadowleaf Sword Art that Pei Lengxue practiced, both being secret sword techniques of the Shadowmoon Sword Sect.

Elder Qin was an experienced sword cultivator. If Ye Anping used the Sword Inquiry Technique to fight, the first thing Elder Qin would ask was, “Where did you learn this sword technique?”

By then, explaining himself would be quite troublesome, and he might even get directly involved in the Shadowmoon Sword Sect’s plotline.

Elder Qin looked at the surrounding disciples, seemingly surprised. She teased Ye Anping, “It seems like you’re quite popular among our Sky Cloud Peak disciples.”

Ye Anping felt embarrassed and quickly replied politely, “Elder Qin, you’re just joking. Previously, I was doing business in the market, and most of my customers were brought in by Senior Bai Yuelin. That’s why most of my clients are from Sky Cloud Peak.”

“Hehe, it looks like I can’t go easy on you in this sword trial then.”

Ye Anping forced a bitter smile and said, “Please, Elder Qin, go easy on me.”

“Alright, let’s begin.”

“Then please enlighten me, Elder Qin!”

“Very well.”

With a nod from Elder Qin, Ye Anping bent his knees slightly, lowered his body, furrowed his brow slightly, and his eyes revealed a sharp eagle-like gaze. After a brief moment, he stomped his feet with force, and his body moved with the wind, instantly appearing in front of Elder Qin.

Swish—

As he swung the wooden sword in his hand, a strong wind swept through the area. The fallen leaves on the ground were lifted and formed a tornado under the influence of the sword. The blade moved swiftly and aggressively, leaving behind a trail of afterimages.

Upon seeing this scene, the Sky Cloud Peak disciples who were watching had their eyes widened. Some of them couldn’t even follow Ye Anping’s movements. Even Elder Qin raised an eyebrow in surprise at his explosive power.

However, her surprise was short-lived.

With a crisp sound, Elder Qin naturally sidestepped the first thrust from the young man.

She then dodged the second swing by bending at the waist. Finally, when Ye Anping raised his third strike, she took the initiative to close the distance and grabbed his wrist with her right hand.

With a slight exertion of her right hand, Ye Anping’s grip on the wooden sword weakened instantly.

With a clang, the sword hilt slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.

Ye Anping was momentarily stunned but quickly closed his eyes to stabilize his breath. He took a step back and bowed respectfully.

“…”

Elder Qin placed her wooden sword behind her back and nodded in approval.

“Not bad. You have good comprehension, a solid foundation, and precise control of spiritual power. At your age, you’re already quite exceptional. However…”

She paused for a moment, and Ye Anping immediately responded with a respectful gesture.

“Please speak candidly, Elder Qin.”

Elder Qin nodded and continued, “To be honest, your sword technique is quite poor. It lacks structure, and it’s chaotic. Is this the sword technique of the Hundred Lotus Sect?”

“Yes, it’s the Hundred Lotus Sword Technique of the Hundred Lotus Sect,” Ye Anping replied politely. “The Hundred Lotus Sword Technique was indeed derived from various major sects, but it lacks cohesion. I’ve always felt it’s more like a showpiece.”

“Oh?” Elder Qin made a soft hum. “As the young master of the Hundred Lotus Sect, shouldn’t you defend your sect’s sword technique?”

“If it’s lacking, it’s lacking. If I were to argue back, it would be forcing words,” Ye Anping responded.

“Well… in a few days, I’ll find a suitable sword technique for you. There’s no need to continue with the Hundred Lotus Sect’s technique; it might hinder your progress.”

“Thank you, Elder Qin.”

Elder Qin nodded in satisfaction and then patted Ye Anping’s shoulder.

“However, I must praise where praise is due. Your foundation is indeed as good as Mr. Qi described, much better than some people!” As she said this, Elder Qin’s gaze swept over several disciples of the Profound Star Sect who were watching nearby. Her gaze was as sharp as a knife, and those who met her eyes quickly averted their gazes.

“All right, go to the embroidery workshop at Sky Cloud Peak to collect your robes and identity token.”

“Yes, I’ll take my leave then.”

Ye Anping bowed again and picked up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground before heading back in the direction of Xiao Yunluo.

Having watched his entire sword trial with Elder Qin, Xiao Yunluo stared at him, hands on her hips, and furrowed her brows in questioning.

“Ye Anping, why are you not using your full strength just now?”

“Why do you say that?” Ye Anping replied casually. “I was facing a Foundation Establishment stage elder. If I hadn’t used my full strength, I wouldn’t have been able to hold out even for a single strike. I lasted through three strikes just now.”

“I don’t believe it. You definitely didn’t use your full strength!”

Ye Anping shrugged and changed the subject.

“Anyway, I passed the test, and Elder Qin asked me to go to the embroidery workshop to collect my sect attire.”

Xiao Yunluo stared at him for a moment, seeming to realize that she wouldn’t get a different answer, so she dropped the matter. She turned and summoned a flying sword.

“Follow me; I’ll take you to the embroidery workshop.”

“Sure.”