Mortal: Fairy Song Yu has issued you a task.

Chapter 57 Three Sword Testing Tournaments

A month passed in the blink of an eye, spring turned to summer, and the warmth gradually increased, but the bamboo forest and deep valley remained quiet and cool.

Inside the quiet room, Lin Jingchu withdrew his true fire and cast his final spell.

A short-handled magical artifact with four hooks flashed with inspiration and was successfully crafted.

It was the Soul-Chasing Claw, a top-tier magic weapon that Lin Jingchu had crafted from one of the claws of that level-three gray-feathered falcon demon.

He put the gray, grimy Soul-Chasing Claw into his storage bag, then got up and left the quiet room.

After more than a month of seclusion, it's time to meet with Song Yu and exchange feelings.

Moreover, based on my personal experience over this period, the method of bathing and strengthening the body with medicinal soup is indeed somewhat effective, which is why I can share it with her.

As soon as Lin Jingchu arrived at the entrance of the cave and opened the barrier, two sound transmission talismans broke through the air and rushed to his front.

One of the notices was from the Luoyun Sect: the Yunmeng Three Sects' "Sword Trial Tournament" was about to be held, and the preliminary internal trials would take place in half a month. Disciples who were interested in participating were to go to the main peak to register as soon as possible.

The other message was actually from the master, summoning him.

Since there was still time to register, Lin Jingchu boarded the Azure Wing Boat and headed to Elder Feng's cave first.

"Disciple Lin Jingchu greets Master." After bowing, he took out a brocade box and handed it over: "This is a jar of spiritual tea 'Moonlight Silver Needle' that I personally brewed this year, which I specially present to Master."

Elder Feng accepted the gift with a smile, but his expression immediately turned serious as he said solemnly, "The reason I summoned you here is for the Sword Testing Tournament. This grand event is hosted by the three sects of Yunmeng in rotation, and this year it will be held at the Ancient Sword Sect. I will be leading a team there."

He suddenly sighed, "In the last grand event, our Luoyun Sect... completely lost face. Despite having the advantage of home ground, not a single person made it into the top ten. This time, I don't expect you to break into the top three, but please don't fall out of the top ten and bring shame to the sect."

[Mission Name: For the Falling Cloud Sect]

[Posted by: Feng Zhuohe]

[Mission Description: Participate in the Yunmeng Three Sects Sword Trial Tournament, defeat powerful enemies, and make it into the top ten.]

[Task Reward: Determined based on final ranking, with a maximum reward of one talisman from Feng Zhuohe]

Lin Jingchu's gaze sharpened, and he said resolutely, "Master, rest assured, this disciple will do his utmost and live up to your expectations!"

The system tasks have all been assigned, so of course we have to put in a lot of effort.

Elder Feng smiled again: "Although you have only been in the Foundation Establishment stage for a short time, your ability to defeat the Thousand Illusion Sect's secret puppet technique during your trip to Tiantong City shows that you are already quite strong among cultivators of the same level."

"However, we must not underestimate them. The Hundred Crafts Institute excels in artifacts and has always been eager to compete for first place. The Ancient Sword Sect is even more formidable. If you need anything for your cultivation, whether it be spells or magical artifacts, just tell me."

Lin Jingchu cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Master. This disciple wishes to learn a secret technique related to movement, which can be used to dodge and maneuver in combat, or to quickly close the distance."

The Cold Moon Light Divine Power is quite formidable in its killing power, but he has only cultivated the "Moon Gazing Technique" to the fourth level. Once the distance between him and his enemy widens, the power of the spell will be greatly reduced.

Due to this limitation, he mainly engages in close-quarters combat and urgently needs a sophisticated movement technique.

Upon hearing this, Elder Feng pondered for a moment and said, "Wait here for a moment. I'll be right back." With that, he transformed into a streak of light and departed. A moment later, he reappeared and tossed out a jade slip.

"This is a water-based secret technique—'Flying Ripple Step.' It allows one to instantly create water lilies beneath their feet, walk on them, and move swiftly and agilely, making it perfect for Foundation Establishment stage combat. This technique is not difficult to learn, and given that you specialize in Cangkun Shangren's water-based profound arts, you should be able to master it in a short time. Go, I'm looking forward to seeing your performance in this tournament."

Lin Jingchu solemnly bowed and turned to leave.

……

Under the early summer sun, Lin Jingchu stood on his flying boat, hovering quietly at the edge of the White Phoenix Peak's protective barrier, waiting.

He had already registered at the main peak on his way here, and now he planned to go back and study the secret technique he had just obtained after meeting Song Yu.

A short while later, Junior Sister Shen flew out from the peak on a green leaf magic artifact.

"Junior Sister Shen, your skill in controlling artifacts is getting better and better!" Lin Jingchu said with a smile.

"That's right! I practice diligently every day, rain or shine." The little girl raised her head and then led him into the peak.

Halfway through the flight, her eyes suddenly lit up: "But it's such a hassle for me to pick you up every time. My time is precious too! Why don't you join our White Phoenix Peak? That way, you won't have to suffer the pain of longing for your senior sister every day!"

Upon hearing this profound statement, even the flying boat beneath Lin Jingchu's feet paused for a moment. "You...you know so much!"

"Of course!" Junior Sister Shen said, hands on her hips, a smug look on her face. "I'm nine years old now, not an eight-year-old anymore!"

Lin Jingchu shook his head and chuckled, then casually took something out of his storage bag and tossed it over.

Shen Shimei hurriedly caught it and found that it was a crudely made wooden puppet.

This was a crude imitation made by Lin Jingchu using scraps of ebony wood when he was researching puppets. It could only be rudimentary in its control by divine sense and could only perform some simple actions.

"So ugly!"

"Give it back to me."

"No! There's no reason to take back something that's been given away!"

The two laughed and joked all the way, and landed in front of the secluded cave in the mountain valley.

"Senior Sister Song is in the study, go find her yourself!" Junior Sister Shen took the puppet and ran straight to her room.

Lin Jingchu did as he was told and turned to the front courtyard. Looking through the open window, he saw Song Yu sitting quietly behind his desk, holding a wolf-hair brush, focused on writing.

With a slight turn of her wrist, her brushstrokes flowed like a dragon, and a powerful calligraphy work was quickly completed.

"Senior sister, you seem to be in a particularly refined mood today."

"It's just something I do in my spare time to cultivate my mind and body." Song Yu put down his wolf-hair brush and quickly came out to greet him.

The two strolled through the courtyard, where summer flowers were in full bloom and the greenery was lush.

"How's the body-refining method you mentioned researching before you went into seclusion coming along?"

"This method has limited effectiveness and requires long-term adherence, with a medicinal bath every three days. If you are interested, you might want to give it a try."

Song Yu took the books handed to him: "It seems I'm reaping the benefits without lifting a finger?"

"I was able to develop this bath formula thanks in no small part to my senior sister." Lin Jingchu's gaze fell on the girl who was walking slowly beside him, flipping through the book.

The beautiful woman lowered her head, her temperament gentle and elegant, surpassing even the surrounding flowers and green trees.

"I'm sure you'll be participating in this sword-testing tournament, Senior Sister. I wonder what ranking you're aiming for?"

"Let's do our best. Our sect has always ranked third. I hope this time will be different." Song Yu put away his books, looking wistful.

Lin Jingchu laughed and said, "The Hundred Crafts Academy only knows how to manipulate magical artifacts and mechanisms; they are clever but lack courage. The Ancient Sword Sect is obsessed with the way of the sword; they are sharp but lack strategy. Why should Senior Sister be afraid of you?"

"Junior brother is quite confident!" Song Yu smiled. "Then this time, the Luoyun Sect will be counting on you."

"Then let's wait and see." Lin Jingchu cupped his hands in greeting. "Just now I asked Elder Feng for a secret movement technique, so I'll take my leave now to go back and study it."

Song Yu escorted him to the entrance of the cave and watched him ride the boat through the air.

Just as it merged into the clouds—

A graceful figure dressed in white landed outside the cave on a flying sword; it was Meng Yao, who had just emerged from seclusion.

"Congratulations on your successful Foundation Establishment, Senior Sister," Song Yu said with a smile as she turned around.

Meng Yao, who should have been in a good mood, had a slight loss of joy on her face because she saw a familiar figure.

"I'm here to pick up Junior Sister Shen. By the way, who was that male disciple who just left?"