The two figures flying toward Li Qingqiu were a pair of black eagles—one large, one small. The larger one was his companion, Xiao Ba, while the smaller one belonged to Li Sijin and was named Xiao Jiu, the name clearly chosen in imitation of Xiao Ba.
Originally, Li Qingqiu had planned to use a chicken or pig to test the Thousand Spirit Fruit. But by coincidence, Xiao Jiu had recently fallen ill with a strange disease. Even using the Rejuvenation Ghost-Immortal Needles could barely keep it alive. Li Sijin had been heartbroken, so Li Qingqiu decided to take a desperate chance and bring Xiao Jiu to the Thousand Spirits Blessed Land.
The result astonished him. After consuming a Thousand Spirit Fruit, Xiao Jiu not only recovered completely but also became full of life and vigor. Through his observation, Li Qingqiu noted that its blood and qi had strengthened dramatically, and its bones and sinews were growing sturdier by the day.
The Thousand Spirit Fruit turned out to be a miraculous medicine for healing injuries and enhancing physical strength. As for how many could safely be consumed before reaching a limit, that remained unknown.
After taking the fruit, Xiao Jiu even began following the same path as Xiao Ba, able to absorb Li Sijin's vital energy more efficiently.
Previously, Li Qingqiu had instructed his junior brothers and sisters to infuse vital energy into wild animals, attempting to replicate what he had done with Xiao Ba. But none of them had succeeded in nurturing a creature capable of forming its own vital energy.
That alone proved Xiao Ba's extraordinary talent.
The two eagles landed before him—Xiao Ba folding its wings with a sharp, dignified air, now almost as tall as Li Qingqiu himself, while the smaller Xiao Jiu's head reached his waist.
Xiao Ba affectionately rubbed its head against him, while Xiao Jiu flapped its wings playfully, chirping with energy.
Both had clearly developed early spiritual awareness—especially Xiao Ba, whose intelligence Li Qingqiu estimated to be equivalent to a child of about four or five years old.
"What did you steal to eat this time?" Li Qingqiu asked, noticing bits of bloody flesh clinging to Xiao Ba's beak.
The great eagle spread its wings, spanning nearly three zhang wide, and chirped twice—sharp and clear. Though it made no human sound, Li Qingqiu somehow understood its meaning perfectly.
Even he couldn't quite explain that strange connection. Perhaps it was because Xiao Ba carried his vital energy within its body.
"A snake? How big?"
"Chirp—gugu—!"
"That large? Then make sure you drive them away. Don't let any come near this area."
"Chiiirp!"
Li Qingqiu chuckled softly at its spirited reply and patted its head with satisfaction.
Then, with a powerful flap, both eagles leapt into the sky, stirring a strong gust that rustled his robes. He watched them disappear into the thick mist.
He had assigned the two eagles to guard this place—keeping beasts away from the mist-covered forest and protecting the Thousand Spirits Blessed Land.
Of course, he checked on them regularly, ensuring they didn't secretly eat any of the Thousand Spirit Fruits. Fortunately, they didn't dare approach the great tree at all—its vines were capable of attacking intruders.
Curiously, the Thousand Spirits Tree seemed to only show affection toward Li Qingqiu. None of the others had ever been touched or approached by its vines. Perhaps it was because he had been the first person it met.
The fog outside still held countless corpses, yet none had ever managed to reach this place. It was as if the mist itself was a test set by the Thousand Spirits Tree—and Li Qingqiu was the only one who had passed it.
…
White snow blanketed the mountains for a thousand li, and the Taikun Mountain Range remained bitterly cold.
Zhu Yan sat atop a cliff, a sheer veil covering her face, her guqin resting before her. Wrapped in a heavy fur cloak, she plucked the strings gently as snowflakes drifted through the air. The melody mingled with the falling snow, serene and timeless.
A short distance away stood Su Xiling, dressed in plain blue robes, gazing down the mountainside. Her attire was little different from what she wore in summer, the cold seemingly meaningless to her.
When the final note faded, Zhu Yan lowered her hands and smiled softly. "Xiling, what are you watching so intently?"
Without turning, Su Xiling replied, "The disciples of Qingxiao Sect are practicing a sword formation. They're called the Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao's Might—what an odd name. Sounds like ghosts that haunt their swords. But I must admit, their formation isn't bad. It's actually quite refined."
"The Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao's Might? Those are Jiang Zhaoxia's disciples, aren't they?" Zhu Yan asked.
"That's right," Su Xiling said, nodding. "Jiang Zhaoxia's down there too, but he's been meditating on that rock for half an hour. I haven't seen him swing his sword once."
Her tone carried a hint of puzzlement.
Zhu Yan merely smiled. "Geniuses like him can't be judged by ordinary standards. It's the same as Xu Ning—you've never seen her train, have you?"
Su Xiling gave a soft laugh. "True enough—wait, what a powerful sword aura!"
Her eyes widened suddenly as she turned her gaze downward.
The one who had unleashed the sword aura was none other than Xue Jin, the foremost among the Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao's Might.
With a single strike, his blade carved a five-zhang-long mark across the snow-covered ground. When the sword qi dispersed, he dropped to one knee, breathing heavily, his strength momentarily spent.
The twelve other disciples quickly surrounded him, their faces glowing with excitement.
"What a domineering sword aura! Senior Brother Xue, you did it!"
"This Heaven-Net Sword Formation really is brilliant! We form the illusion, and you strike as the core—no one could withstand a blow like that!"
"Senior Brother, you're incredible. We've been training together, but I can't even condense a proper sword aura yet. I'd count myself lucky just to form a wisp of it!"
"Exactly! Without you, our sword formation would be a complete joke."
Amid the chatter, Xue Jin lifted his head and gave a weary smile—but inside, his heart swelled with joy.
The Supreme Purity and Primordial Harmony Sutra was truly profound!
At that moment, gratitude toward Li Qingqiu filled his chest. Without that cultivation method, his martial skill wouldn't be any stronger than the others'.
Struggling to his feet, Xue Jin said, "We still have time. Before the New Year, every one of us must master sword qi."
Jiang Zhaoxia had already informed his disciples that once the New Year passed, they would descend the mountain for training. Each of them might face danger, so the group was both excited and nervous, filled with anticipation and urgency.
In the distance, Jiang Zhaoxia cast a glance toward Xue Jin, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He couldn't help but once again admire Li Qingqiu's foresight.
The twelve disciples he himself had selected hadn't particularly impressed him—but the ones Li Qingqiu personally recommended had exceeded all expectations.
He already regarded Xue Jin as a true direct disciple, fully aware that the future achievements of the Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao's Might would depend largely on Xue Jin's mastery of the sword.
Closing his eyes once more, he sank into thought, continuing to refine his sword comprehension.
Over the past two months, his sparring with Li Qingqiu had given him countless new insights. The Heaven-Net Sword Formation was one of the results of that exchange, but it wasn't enough. He was determined to create even more sword techniques for the Qingxiao Sect—to one day establish it as a true Sword Sect.
…
At the Lingxiao Courtyard above the sect gates, Li Qingqiu sat listening as Zhang Yuchun reported on matters from below the mountain.
As the Qingxiao Sect expanded, the original three courtyards had been collectively named the Lingxiao Courtyard by Li Qingqiu. Ordinary disciples were forbidden to enter—this rule had been insisted upon by Yang Jueding and Zhang Yu.
Not long ago, Zhang Yuchun, who had reached the second layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm, led another expedition down the mountain. This time, instead of taking the Seven Sons of Qingxiao, he brought older disciples—and successfully recruited eight new ones.
"The rebellion in Guzhou has been suppressed," Zhang Yuchun said excitedly. "I saw the imperial army in the county—they've posted decrees everywhere, declaring their intent to wipe out every last rebel. They even announced new relief laws for disaster-stricken areas. Senior Brother, it seems peace will finally return to the land."
Having traveled beyond the Taikun Mountain Range, he had often encountered conflict and chaos. Under such conditions, most of the disciples he recruited were orphans, limiting the sect's growth.
Now, with the Great Li Dynasty restoring peace, he could travel more freely, spreading the name of Qingxiao Sect far and wide. With stability, he was confident their disciples would soon double in number.
While he spoke, Li Qingqiu used a Flying Fish Knife to carve wood beside him, listening quietly.
"Senior Brother," Zhang Yuchun continued earnestly, "our farms, pastures, stables, fish ponds, and hunting grounds are all running smoothly now—but we still lack manpower. Though the rebels are gone, bandits and mountain brigands still roam freely. I'd like to send Li Sifeng and a team down the mountain to clear them out and spread the name of Qingxiao Sect. That'll draw more people to join us."
Li Sifeng was fifteen years old now—turning sixteen in six months—and already at the third layer of the Nurturing Essence Realm. Back in his youth, Jiang Zhaoxia had already begun killing enemies at that stage.
Li Qingqiu nodded slightly. "Let Cheng Canghai accompany them. Though Sifeng has been out several times and gained experience, he's still not fully grown."
"Cheng Canghai, huh? That's fine. He's been performing well since joining," Zhang Yuchun replied thoughtfully. "In that case, I'll have Wu Man'er go along too."
Wu Man'er was also at the third layer of Nurturing Essence. In terms of raw combat power, Li Sifeng couldn't match him yet.
"You make the arrangements," Li Qingqiu said calmly. "Let them operate around the Taikun Mountain Range, but have them return before the New Year."
"No problem!"
Receiving permission, Zhang Yuchun stood at once to make preparations.
"Wait," Li Qingqiu said suddenly. "Have them take Bai Ning'er along."
Zhang Yuchun blinked in surprise and turned back. "You mean the disciple who's been close with Miss Su?"
He didn't know much about Bai Ning'er, but he paid great attention to Zhu Yan and Su Xiling, who had been observing the sect from afar.
"Yes, that's the one," Li Qingqiu confirmed.
Zhang Yuchun still looked puzzled but nodded in acceptance before hurrying off.
In truth, Li Sifeng had been the one to request permission to go down the mountain. So when Zhang Yuchun told him that Senior Brother had approved, his joy was boundless.
That very day, the three—Li Sifeng, Wu Man'er, and Cheng Canghai—began selecting nine other disciples. They packed their gear and descended the mountain in high spirits.
Their mission to eliminate bandits caused quite a stir among the disciples. Many were thrilled and whispered among themselves, each hoping for the day they too would be sent on such a task.
To act heroically and uphold justice—this was the dream of nearly every martial cultivator. It proved one's strength and earned honor for the sect.
…
A month passed swiftly.
In the Lingxiao Courtyard, snow was falling thick and fast. Inside, Li Qingqiu was feeding a Thousand Spirit Fruit to Yuan Li, while Li Dongyue stood on the eaves, gazing into the distance.
Snowflakes melted as they neared her body, vanishing into steam before they could land.
Li Qingqiu smiled as Yuan Li lifted the fruit with both hands to eat, then glanced toward his junior sister. "Come down, Dongyue. They'll be fine."
Li Dongyue frowned. "Tomorrow's the New Year. It's already less than one hour till nightfall. If they don't return soon, should we go search for them?"
Li Qingqiu was about to reply when he suddenly sensed something. Turning toward the horizon, he said calmly, "They've returned."
Hearing that, Li Dongyue's eyes lit up. She didn't question his words for a moment—her body flashed as she leapt from the roof, soaring past the courtyard wall and racing toward the mountain gate.
Li Qingqiu stayed where he was, watching Yuan Li munch on the Thousand Spirit Fruit.
The little one sat on a stool, clutching the fruit in both hands, eating obediently.
Not long after, the sound of excited voices echoed through the courtyard.
Li Sifeng was the first to appear, his robes torn in places, his face flushed with triumph. He ran up to Li Qingqiu, grabbed his arm, and said proudly, "Senior Brother, come see what we brought back! You'll never guess what we found!"