Martial Arts to Supremacy

Chapter 12 Nangong Wan's Test

Li An followed closely behind Su Qingyue, stepping out of the wooden house. Clouds and mist surged beneath their feet, and the two walked on air. In less than half an incense stick's time, they landed in a vast bamboo forest.

All that could be seen were tall, verdant bamboo groves, their leaves glistening with spiritual dew. A gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo, creating waves of green that sounded softly. The warm, moist spiritual energy was even more concentrated than where the wooden house had been.

Looking around, the entire bamboo forest was quiet and still. Apart from the swaying bamboo shadows, there was not a single person in sight, making it seem exceptionally deserted. It was nothing like the bustling scene of disciples coming and going and spiritual energy clamoring in the other six peaks.

Li An was slightly surprised. Su Qingyue seemed to sense his thoughts and turned to explain softly, her voice blending into the bamboo breeze: "Little Bamboo Peak has always been quiet. Master is indifferent to fame and fortune and dislikes crowds and noise. In recent years, only Master and I have cultivated on the peak. If you can enter the peak in the future, you will become the junior brother of Little Bamboo Peak."

Upon hearing this, Li An was shocked. He hadn't expected that the Elder Peak of the top sect in the Southern Region would be so deserted. This also made him realize the extraordinary and refined nature of Peak Master Nangong Wan. His respect for this peak master grew even stronger.

Following the bluestone path through the bamboo forest, a simple and elegant bamboo pavilion soon comes into view. The pavilion is built from thousand-year-old bamboo, untouched by dust, and surrounded by a faint, refreshing aura that brings peace to the mind.

The door to the pavilion was ajar. Su Qingyue stepped forward and knocked three times lightly, her voice respectful: "Master, Qingyue has something to ask of you."

A moment later, a clear, cold voice, as pure as an icy spring, came from inside the bamboo pavilion: "Enter."

Su Qingyue then pushed open the door and entered. Li An held his breath and followed her into the bamboo pavilion.

The interior of the pavilion was simply furnished, with only a bamboo table and a few bamboo chairs. At the head of the table sat a woman dressed in a plain white bamboo-patterned long dress.

Her beauty was unparalleled, and her cold demeanor was somewhat similar to Su Qingyue's, but even more aloof and indifferent. Her skin was as white as jade, and she was surrounded by a faint bamboo-like spiritual energy. Although she was sitting there quietly, she was like a snow-covered mountain, exuding an aura of majesty that no one dared to disrespect. She was Nangong Wan, the peak master of Xiaozhu Peak and a peak expert in the Tongxuan Realm.

Nangong Wan raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping lightly over Li An. Her eyes were clear yet cold, seemingly devoid of any emotion, before settling gently on Su Qingyue. She asked indifferently, "What is it?"

Su Qingyue stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and recounted the whole story in a respectful tone: "Master, several months ago I went to Qingyang City by chance and rescued this boy Li An. He is exceptionally talented and can absorb spiritual energy to cultivate without awakening his Dharma form."

"Today in the martial arts arena, he, with his early-stage Gathering Phase Realm cultivation, defeated Ye Xiao and Zhang Yintu. His temperament and talent are unparalleled. This disciple knows that Master rarely accepts disciples, but he is truly a rare genius, and he yearns to go to Little Bamboo Peak. I earnestly request Master to make an exception and accept him as a disciple."

Li An hurriedly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Nangong Wan, his posture extremely respectful: "Junior Li An greets Peak Master. I humbly request Peak Master to accept me as your disciple. Junior will definitely devote himself to cultivation and will never fail the kindness of Peak Master and Holy Maiden."

Nangong Wan's eyes flickered slightly, her gaze lingering on Li An for a moment, as if probing his aptitude and cultivation level. After a long while, she slowly spoke, her voice still cold and indifferent: "I will soon be going into seclusion to break through to the King Realm. I will not have time to teach disciples, so the matter of taking on disciples will be put on hold for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Li An's heart sank, and he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Su Qingyue was about to speak again to persuade him, but Nangong Wan raised her hand to stop her.

Nangong Wan lightly flicked her fingertips, a wisp of bamboo spirit energy flowing between them. Her eyes lowered slightly, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty, as she slowly spoke.

"However, considering your exceptional talent and Qingyue's recommendation, I can give you a chance. The core disciples of the younger generation in the other six peaks of the Xuantian Sect are all outstanding among their peers. If you can defeat any three of them within a month, I will make an exception and accept you as a disciple of Xiaozhu Peak, and personally teach you cultivation techniques and swordsmanship."

As soon as she finished speaking, Nangong Wan said no more. With a gentle wave of her hand, a gentle yet irresistible spiritual energy lifted Li An and Su Qingyue and carried them to the outside of the bamboo pavilion.

"Take care of yourself during the one-month period."

A cold, clear voice came from inside the bamboo pavilion, and then the door of the bamboo pavilion slowly closed, and no more breath could be heard.

Su Qingyue looked at the tightly closed pavilion door. Although she felt regret, she knew that her master always kept his word. She turned to Li An beside her and comforted him gently, "Li An, since your master has given you this test, it means he has recognized your talent. You only need to focus on your cultivation for a month, and you will definitely pass the test."

Li An clenched his fists, his eyes showing no sign of retreat, but rather a resolute fighting spirit: "Holy Maiden, rest assured, this junior will not let this opportunity down and will do my utmost to pass the Peak Master's test."

At this moment, inside the bamboo pavilion, Nangong Wanjing sat quietly, gazing at the tightly closed pavilion door. Her usually cold and indifferent eyes showed a barely perceptible ripple, and her usually indifferent lips slowly curved into a very faint but meaningful smile.

She murmured to herself, her voice dissipating into the spiritual energy within the pavilion: "To cultivate without needing a Dharma form, a heaven-defying technique, and a resilient mind—that's quite interesting."

This seemingly casual test was actually her greatest test of the young man. Xiaozhu Peak does not accept mediocre people; only those who can break through the ranks of the sect's geniuses are qualified to become her disciples.