Volume 2 Chapter 4 - The Jade Cave and the Horse Stable (1/2)
Chapter 4: The Jade Cave and the Horse Stable
At the gates of White Goat Cave, a dozen White Goat Cave teachers who had stayed behind were elated as the group of White Goat Cave people and horses appeared on the mountain paths.
The result of the sword trial festival had reached them. White Goat Cave housed two of the three victors and the newly joined genius Ding Ning had shown exceptional performance. The faces of all the members of White Goat Cave were beaming, and even held hope within.
Ding Ning got off the carriage and could not avoid the greetings and congratulations.
“Where is Su Qin?”
A teacher who did not see Su Qin’s figure but was aware of his crippled left hand asked Li Daoji in a low voice.
Li Daoji replied, “After the sword trial festival ended, he left Green Vine Sword School without a farewell. Since he has not yet returned, it means that he will not return.”
This teacher immediately sighed. “Too sharp an edge, pressurizing, and targeting even a person as docile and gentle as Zhang Yi. He crossed the … pity for his talent.”
“Will you rest in White Goat Cave today, or return to your Falling Parasol Alley home?”Walking at the front, Xue Wangxu turned slightly and asked as he looked at Ding Ning.
“I have not returned for many days. I think my aunt would be worried for me so I will return to my home in Falling Parasol to rest.” Ding Ning frowned slightly, appearing to think before adding softly. “I was considering talking to you. I grew up in the streets and am used to that kind of place. I am uneasy in a quiet place like White Goat Cave, so I still want to cultivate more outside.”
“Being comfortable and relaxed are the prerequisites of cultivation. The most comfortable place is the best place for cultivation.”
Xue Wangxu did not refuse but as he turned his head, many complicated emotions appeared in his eyes. “First, come along with me.”
Ding Ning calmly followed Xue Wangxu.
“The green suet jade is exceptional. How do you prepare to use it?” Xue Wangxu asked.
“I plan to refine it tonight to avoid any worries,” Ding Ning answered.
Xue Wangxu was silent for a few long seconds. He said, “It is a good plan. While the green suet jade is most effective when performing a breakthrough from realm three to realm four and can help a cultivator get some life bond items in realm six, the future is too uncertain. It is best to only eye the present.”
Ding Ning looked oddly at him. “Cave Master, you seem slightly depressed today, and not as easy going as usual.”
Xue Wangxu laughed. “Really, you can see I have some matters on my mind?”
As they talked, the two walked higher up the carved mountain paths of White Goat Cave. While the two were not quick in their steps, they still had created a distance between them and the White Goat Cave people behind them.
Behind them, all the White Goat Cave members had stopped walking and were looking in shock at them.
Xue Wangxu led Ding Ning to the small temple at the top.
Ever since Du Qingjiao left White Goat Cave, only Li Daoji qualified to enter that small temple. This small temple was the founding site of White Goat Cave and held remarkable significance.
Though Ding Ning was certain that Xue Wangxu was abnormal today, he did not say anything and quietly followed.
The path stopped at the Library Cave.
Xue Wangxu continued to advance and stepped into the air.
Ding Ning did not hesitate. Just like how he had followed previously, he stepped into the empty space.
His body fell slightly.
Then a wave of primal energies of the universe flooded from ahead of him and steadily held him up. An invisible ladder seemed to appear in the sky. He and Xue Wangxu walked among the clouds.
On the mountain path, Li Daoji and the others had increasingly grave expressions.
The furnishings in the small temple were very crude. As the building was carved into the mountain walls, even the light was dim.
Xue Wangxu did not explain and continued to walk until he faced the innermost wall in the temple. He swung the small white jade sword at his waist.
This was the sword of the White Goat Cave’s cave master, and also the key to opening the forbidden grounds.
A pure wave of white energy brushed against the mountain wall. The seemingly smooth wall suddenly dissipated a wave of air. Then it slowly moved to expose the inner cave.
A ball of gentle white light appeared in front of Ding Ning.
He saw that this cave, just a dozen meters in diameter, had walls made from white jade. Carved on the face of the walls were characters and diagrams that recorded some sword manuals.
“The sword manuals in the Library Cave are good, but these are more unique. The Wildfire Sword Manual is more than enough for defense but doesn’t have enough offense.” Xue Wangxu looked at Ding Ning who was calmly looking around. He said, “Your ability to comprehend is exceptional. I will not make suggestions. You can pick one to cultivate.”
Ding Ning nodded. He slowly walked into this cave with white jade walls. He frowned and scanned past every line carved into the jade.
His brows furrowed deeply.