My Life as a Cultivator in a Game

Chapter 8: Liu Ningshuang’s Invitation

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As time passed, the sun gradually reached its zenith in the sky, and Liu Ningshuang’s lecture came to a halt.

The entire White Sun Peak fell into silence, and the disciples remained immersed in the teachings of Liu Ningshuang, taking a while to come back to their senses.

Liu Ningshuang did not interrupt, calmly observing the disciples on the platform. Her gaze was clear and cold. It was not until a moment later that some of the disciples slowly recovered, their eyes showing a hint of surprise. It seemed like they had gained considerable insights.

As each disciple regained their focus, Lu Yi also snapped out of his thoughts. He felt a sense of excitement within him, realizing that his understanding of the basics of cultivation had deepened further.

Seeing everyone returning to their senses, Liu Ningshuang spoke again, “That’s enough about the fundamentals of cultivation. Junior and senior disciples, take your time to digest the knowledge. Next, I will discuss the basics of techniques. Since all of you are in the Qi Refiner stage, today I will explain one of the most common qi refinement techniques of White Cloud Sect—the White Cloud Sword.”

Upon hearing that, the expressions on the faces of those on the platform subtly changed. Many turned their heads in Lu Yi’s direction—a Qi Refiner disciple who had already mastered the White Cloud Sword to the Regain Simplicity stage.

Lu Yi was seated near the outer edge of the platform. While it did not matter much to the outer disciples, even some of the inner disciples were casting glances in Lu Yi’s direction. Liu Ningshuang, too, noticed that and followed their gaze with a hint of confusion.

Liu Ningshuang saw that the disciple who had drawn everyone’s attention was a cultivator at the Level 6 Qi Refiner stage. Being able to participate on the platform as a Level 6 Qi Refiner indicated decent talent, but that was not the reason for all the attention.

Perplexed, Liu Ningshuang inquired, “What’s going on?”

A charming female disciple in front spoke up, “Ningshuang, this handsome Lu Yi, has already mastered the White Cloud Sword to the Regain Simplicity stage.”

The surrounding disciples were speechless and thought the term “handsome” was unnecessary.

Liu Ningshuang raised an eyebrow at the comment, showing a hint of surprise in her calm gaze. She scrutinized Lu Yi for a moment and conceded, “Indeed, he does look quite handsome. But that’s not the point. It’s impressive for a Qi Refiner stage cultivator to master a foundational technique to the Regain Simplicity stage. Your aptitude is commendable.”

Lu Yi had been pondering how to establish a connection with Liu Ningshuang. After all, he still had a task to make her fall in love with him. Unexpectedly, an opportunity was handed to him on a silver platter.

‘Besides that, that girl had a discerning eye!’ Lu Yi thought gleefully.

With a smile, Lu Yi replied, “You are too kind.”

Liu Ningshuang seemed to have an idea and asked, “Since you have already mastered the White Cloud Sword to the Regain Simplicity stage, how about demonstrating it together with me for the junior and senior disciples?”

Lu Yi was momentarily taken aback. He found it amusing, ‘Isn’t this akin to being a teaching assistant back in university? I had not been one during my university days, and here I was, transmigrated into another world, effectively becoming an assistant!’

“Of course,” Lu Yi readily agreed. If it was from the perspective of a romance game, such unexpected events could increase the favorability of the female lead. He had no reason to refuse it.

‘Oh, right. I should also issue a task and see.’ Lu Yi thought. He silently muttered to himself, “I will demonstrate the White Cloud Sword to the disciples.”

Task: Demonstrate the White Cloud Sword to the outer disciples.

Reward: Increase White Cloud Sword level by +1.

Accept: Yes/No

Seeing the reward, Lu Yi was even more pleasantly surprised. As the level of the White Cloud Sword increased, the number of practice sessions required for each level became greater. He had been at level 6 for four days now, and he had not seen any signs of a breakthrough yet. It would probably take him another three or four days of practice. Unexpectedly, by simply demonstrating the technique, he might achieve a breakthrough.

‘How marvelous!’ Lu Yi thought. He gleefully got up to the platform and stood beside Liu Ningshuang.

Stepping aside, Liu Ningshuang’s calm voice resounded, “Lu Yi, are you ready?”

“I am.”

“Then let’s begin.” As Liu Ningshuang spoke, a plain longsword abruptly appeared in her hand. As the sword was drawn, a sense of sharpness emanated from her.

Lu Yi noticed that and glanced at the white ring on Liu Ningshuang’s slender finger, feeling a twinge of envy, ‘An Interspatial Ring… I wished I had one too.’

But Lu Yi understood that Interspatial Rings were quite precious. Even the most basic ones were more expensive than ordinary low-grade magic tools. He could not afford one.

Lu Yi’s parents had bought him a low-grade magic tools longsword, but they had not gotten him an Interspatial Ring. They were too expensive.

Lu Gaoyang had once mentioned that if he were to enter the inner sect, the sect would provide him with an Interspatial Ring. It was better to save his pennies and get one for free once he made it to the inner sect.

Lu Yi muttered to himself, “It would be great if I could get an Interspatial Ring as a reward for a task someday.”

Drawing his sword, Lu Yi looked at Liu Ningshuang and said, “Ningshuang, please enlighten me.”

Liu Ningshuang nodded, “Go ahead. Focus on the demonstration.”

Lu Yi took a deep breath, and with the flow of spiritual energy, white clouds appeared around his sword. As the clouds swirled, he performed the White Cloud Stance and charged toward Liu Ningshuang.

Observing the white clouds forming on Lu Yi’s sword, Liu Ningshuang nodded in approval. In response, clouds also materialized around her sword. Her White Cloud Sword was similarly at the Regain Simplicity stage.

CLANG!

As their swords clashed, a metallic resonance rang out. The clouds around their swords intermingled and spread, enveloping the entire lectern in an ethereal mist.

The disciples below sensed a sharp sword intent circulating between the two figures. They widened their eyes, held their breath, and watched in silence.

On the platform, Lu Yi and Liu Ningshuang faced each other, and with a subtle understanding, they simultaneously shifted their sword techniques.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Their goal was to demonstrate the White Cloud Sword, not to engage in a combat spar. Every move and technique they displayed was precise, showcasing the elusive nature of the White Cloud Sword.

The two practitioners engaged in a harmonious dance of swords, captivating the disciples below. The platform was immersed in the sound of clashing metal, and the only sound that could be heard was the resonance of their swords.

At this moment, Liu Ningshuang parted her lips and began to explain, “The White Cloud Sword draws from the concept of white clouds, emphasizing an elusive and unpredictable sensation. The essence of any technique lies in its intent rather than its form, much like how cultivators should focus on their true nature. This principle applies to all techniques. Junior and senior disciples, observe the essence of the White Cloud Sword…”

Amidst the variations in their sword techniques, the core of the White Cloud Sword was thoroughly demonstrated. This allowed the disciples to gain valuable insights, and many of them revealed expressions of surprise.

“So that’s how it is! Is the third move used like this? It’s supposed to carry the majestic atmosphere of clouds rolling and billowing. I’ve been misunderstanding it all this time!”

“I get it now, I get it! Hahaha!”

“Is this what the Regain Simplicity stage of the White Cloud Sword is like? It’s terrifying!”

“It’s no use. Even with Ningshuang’s explanation, comprehending the stage above mastery is still far-fetched. How did Lu Yi manage to master the White Cloud Sword to the Regain Simplicity stage?!”

…

On the platform, Lu Yi marveled at Liu Ningshuang’s extraordinary insights into the essence of the technique. She truly lived up to her reputation as a peerless genius.

In fact, after elevating the three techniques to level 6, Lu Yi gained some insights into both techniques and arts. The essence of both techniques and arts did not lie in their forms.

As they concluded demonstrating the White Cloud Sword, Liu Ningshuang and Lu Yi simultaneously sheathed their swords. A mountain breeze blew by, lifting Liu Ningshuang’s hair. She turned to Lu Yi, a faint smile appearing on her otherwise aloof face—her first smile, a beauty beyond compare.

“Lu Yi, your White Cloud Sword is truly exquisite. Your aptitude is remarkable. If you enter the inner sect, you might consider participating in the assessment of Silk Peak and joining it.”