World's No. 1 Swordsman-Chapter 5: Senior Sister

No matter how much Wang Sheng asked, his parents just gazed at him lovingly. They didn't say much except encourage him to train well and learn some protective sword techniques and lightness arts.

"Chasing your dreams is a happy thing. Keep going!" his mother remarked.

His father added, "When I was young, I also dreamed of cultivating and becoming immortal. But when I met your mom and had you, I had to put those dreams to rest."

What is going on?

Based on what Wang Sheng knew about his parents, there was only a one percent chance that their words could be trusted!

Still, Wang Sheng didn't overthink it; he couldn't figure out what was happening anyway.

He was genuinely worried that he would not see Qing Yanzi on the mountain the next day. After all, his parents were exactly the type to pull something like this.

After sharing a hearty vegetarian meal with his parents, Wang Sheng returned to his room and lay down early. However, he spent the entire night tossing and turning.

The next morning, long before dawn, Wang Sheng was already up and packed. He arranged breakfast for his parents, left a note, and grabbed his suitcase to begin his journey back up the Wudang Mountains.

With the soft morning light and mist draping the landscape, it looked entirely different in the early hours.

On the mountain path, Wang Sheng saw numerous youths practicing Tai Chi with solemn and focused expressions. In the bamboo forest lining the road, a few young disciples in Daoist robes wielded unsharpened longswords, exuding an air of grandeur that befitted members of a reputable sect.

Qing Yanzi's name seemed to have been at the top of various rankings since the Immortal Dao began to flourish, yet the Wudang Mountains were rarely—if ever—associated with it.

Yesterday, when Wang Sheng had seen Qing Yanzi, he had been too busy being shocked. Now, as he recalled the encounter, he noticed details that he had overlooked. For one, Qing Yanzi was tall and slender. He wasn't particularly handsome, yet an unmistakable purity seemed to radiate from him, both inside and out. When he walked, his shoulders sank slightly, his steps were light and agile, and his every movement had an indescribable rhythm known as the Dao Rhythm.

To outsiders, Qing Yanzi would look like a deeply hidden martial arts master at most. However, in Wang Sheng's eyes, the big shot had probably already opened up all his meridians. Once the primal qi of heaven and earth returned, he could easily ride the wind and soar through the clouds.

Even though Qing Yanzi was not present, the old bookstall remained untouched all day.

Wang Sheng glanced at the books. True Explanation of Wudang Swordsmanship, Quanzhen Seven-Star Sword Illustrated Manual, Nine-Yin Sutra, Buddha's Palm—he couldn't help but chuckle at the titles.

He then sighed. He stood by his luggage, thinking about how much he would lose if Qing Yanzi and his parents had teamed up to stand him up.

If he missed out on the greatest opportunity of his life, the loss would be devastating. He'd probably regret it for the rest of his life. Even if that were to happen, though, he wouldn't blame his parents. They were simply worried about him. Right now, however, there were too many things he couldn't explain to them.

"Ha... You're up pretty early, kid."

A loud yawn came from behind him, jolting Wang Sheng awake. He quickly turned his head and saw a middle-aged Daoist master in a white-and-blue Daoist robe gracefully walking along the mountain path.

His strides were long, and no matter how steep the mountain path was, he walked as if he were on flat ground. In just a few steps, he reached Wang Sheng, staring at him with sleepy, crusty eyes.

A strong smell of soap hit him. Qing Yanzi seemed to have taken extra care of his appearance today; his Daoist robe even had a bit of a new shine.

He must have been a real heartthrob in his younger days. Even now, he doesn't look that old.

Wang Sheng licked his lips. Shakily, he managed to call out, "M-Master!" frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"No need for that. Just call me Daoist Master for now. If you want to become my disciple, you'll have to pass a few more tests." Qing Yanzi chuckled as he walked over to his old bookstall to tidy it up.

He flipped his rattan chair upside down and placed it on the worn-out books.

"Let me explain. I accepted a persuasion fee and food allowance from your parents. Starting today until your high school starts, you'll be in the entrance review period. I'll evaluate your character and morals before deciding whether or not to accept you as a disciple. Naturally, since your parents paid me to persuade you to give up, I'll give you plenty of tough training and show you just how harsh the mountain life can be. Sure, we've got internet and courier deliveries here, and we're just a few miles away from the mundane world, but it's nothing like the colorful world you're used to."

A persuasion fee? So that's what happened...

Wang Sheng chuckled bitterly and slapped his forehead. His parents always found ways to surprise him. Really? Bribing a future Immortal Dao big shot?

When he saw Qing Yanzi reaching for his suitcase, Wang Sheng quickly grabbed it himself.

"I'll carry it myself, Master! I wouldn't dare trouble you."

Qing Yanzi didn't bother correcting him. Instead, he casually took the lead. "This way. My place is at the back of the mountains. Watch your step. The path hasn't been maintained for a while."

"Got it!"

Watching Qing Yanzi walk up the mountain as if on flat ground, Wang Sheng couldn't help but grin.

Who cares how things turn out—I will cling to this big shot no matter what!

He had to have used up all his luck from his two lives to run into Qing Yanzi—also known as Daoist Master Bu Yan—at an old bookstall!

Then again, before the resurgence of primal qi, it seemed Qing Yanzi spent his days on the Wudang Mountains running a fortune-telling stall, fooling naive kids passing by.

You can't make this stuff up.

After climbing for a while, Wang Sheng glanced back and faintly saw one of the Purple Cloud Temple's flying eaves in the distance.

Gradually, the stone steps gave way to a path of faded dirt, then a mountain trail overgrown with moss.

"How's the scenery?" Qing Yanzi asked softly.

Wang Sheng, who had been walking with his head down, looked up. Only then did he realize that they were already deep into the mountains. Looking around, the mist continuously rose from the uninhabited forest, drifting deeper into the woods and creating what people likely saw as endless clouds and fog.

In his previous life, finding a place like this was nearly impossible. By the time Wang Sheng began his cultivation, various Daoist schools had already taken over such areas.

Besides, he had no master back then and could only cobble together mantras from the internet. Even if he had snuck into a great place like this for cultivation, it would have just been a waste of the mountain's resources.

Cultivation required correct methods, wealth, companions, and the right location. Hard work and insight were just the basics. That was why putting in effort didn't always guarantee satisfying results.

Wang Sheng understood that principle all too well.

Qing Yanzi smiled as they rounded a patch of forest. "We're here. A bit disappointing, huh?"

Dragging his suitcase, Wang Sheng hurried to his master's side and peeked to the left, finding a somewhat rundown courtyard with a few small houses covered in green tiles.

The eaves were overgrown with grass, the paint on the bricks had peeled off, and only half of the courtyard gate remained.

Those hazardous buildings have to be centuries old. I'm surprised people can still live here.

"What do you think?" Qing Yanzi asked with a grin.

Wang Sheng scratched his head. "It's... very peaceful."

Qing Yanzi threw his head back and laughed hysterically.

Wang Sheng noticed that his master loved to laugh—and that he looked quite handsome when he did. From a purely aesthetic point of view, Wang Sheng was convinced that Qing Yanzi had charmed quite a few female pilgrims in his younger days. Even now, his master still had remarkable charm.

Starting today, he had no choice but to rely on the big shot. He had to be a good disciple.

Qing Yanzi waved his sleeve and led Wang Sheng through the courtyard gate.

"A carefree soul in this tattered house, untouched by the ties of the mundane world. Little Xuan, didn't you want to meet your junior brother? Come take a look!" he shouted.

Wang Sheng blinked, suddenly recalling that Qing Yanzi had mentioned before that he had another disciple.

Do I have a senior brother or sister?

Wang Sheng then noticed a paper-covered window of the house across from the courtyard gate creak open slightly. Through the narrow gap, a pair of curious eyes peered out, observing the scene in the courtyard.

Such clear eyes...

Qing Yanzi stepped into the house. "Come. Don't just stand there."

For some reason, Wang Sheng felt a bit nervous. He couldn't help but be curious about what his martial sibling looked like.

The house's double doors, fitted with a few glass panes, seemed better at keeping out the wind than the flimsy paper-covered windows.

Qing Yanzi sat on an old-fashioned chair that was missing half a leg. Meanwhile, Wang Sheng's gaze drifted to the earthen bed[1] nearby, making him smile.

A senior sister, huh? Quite a delicate and pretty one at that.

She looked frail, probably around twelve or thirteen years old, with neatly trimmed short hair and a gray T-shirt so faded from countless washes that its original design was indistinguishable. Sitting cross-legged by the window, she tilted her head casually, studying him.

She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but her features were well-proportioned, delicate, and had a lively charm.

What is the proper reaction at a time like this? Should I pull out the snacks from my suitcase and offer them to her? Wouldn't that make her feel like this is a charity visit, though?

Well, no matter how simple this place is, I have to stay true to the reason I came here: to become a disciple, learn the Dao, and change my fate!

Wang Sheng cupped his fists earnestly. "Greetings, Senior Sister. I'm Wang Sheng. I look forward to your guidance."

The girl blinked, then smiled brightly. Mimicking his gesture, she cupped her fists and cheerfully responded, "Mm!"

Qing Yanzi, who was off to the side, chuckled softly. He now saw Wang Sheng with more appreciation and fondness.

"She's usually shy around strangers," Qing Yanzi said. "The fact that she didn't hide from you shows there's a bit of fate between you two. Little Xuan is eighteen this year and has been in the sect her entire life. Even though you're not officially my disciple, it isn't wrong to call her Senior Sister."

Eighteen? She's been in the sect for eighteen years? Raised by the master since birth, perhaps?

Since birth...

There was probably a story behind this, but Wang Sheng didn't dare ask, especially not with her sitting right in front of him.

"Go ahead and introduce yourselves," Qing Yanzi continued. "Even if you don't pass the entrance test, you can still be one of my unofficial disciples."

Wang Sheng had no choice but to repeat, "Oh, uh... Hello, Senior Sister. I'm Wang Sheng."

The senior sister on the bed nodded thoughtfully again, as if confirming that she had remembered. "Mm!"

Wang Sheng glanced curiously at his master.

Qing Yanzi sighed. "Little Xuan was born with a congenital deficiency. I've been using herbs to cure it over the years. Although she's mostly recovered, she's still left with a condition that prevents her from being talkative. I gave her the name 'Mu' from 'pasture,' 'Wan' from 'tied up hair,' and 'Xuan' from the Chinese character for plant[2]."

Mu as a surname? That's pretty rare. Master really has a talent for naming. Wanxuan... Wan...

"Mu Wanxuan?!" Wang Sheng whipped his head around to stare at his master, almost making Qing Yanzi choke on his tea.

"What are you getting all worked up about?!"

"My senior sister is Mu Wanxuan?"

"Of course!" Qing Yanzi laughed. "I named her, didn't I? Why would I give you the wrong name?"

His senior sister laughed cheerfully, clearly amused by the look on her junior brother's face.

Wang Sheng took a deep breath and pressed his hand to his chest, silently reminding himself over and over to stay calm—to keep cool even though the famous Fairy Bu Yu[3], who was ranked eighth or ninth among the Top 100 Experts of the Immortal Dao in the Heavenly Rankings, was sitting right on the earthen bed.

This doesn't make sense! The graceful fairy in green who stunned the world in a viral video... How can she be this small and frail?

"Master, can I sit down for a moment?"

"We don't stand on ceremony here. Treat this place like your own home."

"Thank you, Master."

Wang Sheng's legs shook a little as he sat down on the bed. He looked at one, then turned to the other.

Daoist Master Bu Yan!

Fairy Bu Yu!

Right, their nicknames are so similar! I've followed the rumors about these top experts for years, so how did it never occur to me that they were master and disciple?

"Master, I'm going to check out the yard!"

Wang Sheng sprinted out of the house in just two steps and pinched his thigh for the third time that day. He then stood still, unable to hold back his laughter.

Two of the top ten experts in the Heavenly Rankings are protecting me! From this point on, the world is mine for the taking!

"Hahahaha!"

Inside the house, the two exchanged a glance. The girl slyly pointed outside, then tapped her head.

Qing Yanzi sighed pitifully and then nodded. "If he were a normal kid, would he have been sent up here to suffer? As his senior sister, you should take good care of him."

The girl nodded in agreement. "Mm!"

Qing Yanzi smiled as he watched Wang Sheng, who had finally calmed down in the courtyard. The warm sunlight in the courtyard bathed the boy in its soft glow.

"Good. He's just at the right age."

1. A special kind of bed made of fire clay. Translated from the word 炕(kang), which is a traditional heated brick bed found in northern China. It's built with a hollow interior where heat from a stove or fire circulates, warming the surface. People sleep, sit, or work on it during cold weather. ☜

2. The Chinese characters are 绾萱(Wan Xuan). ☜

3. Bu Yu means not speaking as well. Basically the Quiet Fairy ☜