"Qinghe."
Lu Qingyun changed her previously domineering and cold attitude toward the battles with Jiang Xinyue and Long Que, and looked at Lu Qinghe with a pure smile on her face.
"Very well."
Lu Qinghe nodded at Lu Qingyun.
What he said was a fact.
In the four months since Lu Qingyun received guidance on condensing qi and blood, she had reached the resonance stage of qi and blood. This kind of talent definitely deserved high praise.
"Of course, do you even know who I am? This time, you made great progress going to the Kunwu Mountain Range. You thought by slaying the Huangtian Peak, you could surpass me? Hmph! Wishful thinking!"
Lu Qinghe shrugged indifferently.
Relying on the resonance of qi and blood, Lu Qingyun did indeed have the strength close to that of Lü Qiankun, the son of Qiankun. Even if Lu Qinghe employed the Initial Sword, he couldn't guarantee victory.
But Lu Qinghe's understanding of qi and strength was far beyond what Lu Qingyun, who had only been practicing condensing qi and blood for less than half a year, could compare to.
If the two were in a life-and-death battle, once Lu Qingyun tried to trigger the resonance of her qi and blood, Lu Qinghe could disrupt all the qi and blood she triggered with just a single display of the Changkong Sword Song.
Ultimately, triggering the qi and blood not only would fail to augment her sword technique's power, but would also cause internal injury due to the disruption of the qi and blood, leading to chaotic surges within the body.
"Sister Lu Qingyun, that sword truly broadened my horizons."
"With that sword, Sister Lu Qingyun has completely demonstrated the ability to contend for the top three within the inner sect."
Juan Yun and Lei Jian came to Lu Qingyun's side, congratulating her with smiles.
"In fact, I could display this sword thanks to Qinghe's assistance."
Lu Qingyun said with a smile, her eyes curved like a crescent moon.
"Lu Qinghe!?"
"Is it related to Qinghe's profoundness?"
Juan Yun and Lei Jian were somewhat astonished.
In fact, not only them, but everyone in the inner sect believed that Lu Qinghe's achievements today were all thanks to Lu Qingyun's guidance. If it weren't for Lu Qingyun’s guidance, even if Lu Qinghe's talent were higher, reaching the high-level Master Refiner stage and being ranked within the inner sect would be the limit.
"Indeed, but I can't tell you more about these secrets. If you want to know, just make good relations with my brother. Maybe if he's in a good mood, he'll teach you a trick or two."
Juan Yun and Lei Jian understood.
In fact, when Lu Qingyun mentioned this, she was hoping that they would take care of Lu Qinghe in the future.
Of course, Juan Yun and Lei Jian would naturally not refuse.
At this moment, Juan Yun nodded with cupped hands, "So, I will definitely seek guidance from Senior Brother Lu Qinghe in the future."
"Haha, as members of the Bluemoon Lake, we should get closer to Senior Brother Lu Qinghe in the future."
Lu Qinghe nodded slightly.
However, his thoughts were not on Juan Yun and Lei Jian, but turned to Lu Qingyun, "Are you leaving?"
"Um…."
Hearing Lu Qinghe mention this, Lu Qingyun's smiling expression couldn't help but become more solemn. She nodded seriously, "Yes, I was recommended by Senior Brother Xiao Jiutian of Bluemoon Lake's high-level to go and meet the Young Emperor."
Speaking of this, she quickly became excited, "Big Brother, you can't imagine the true identity of the Young Emperor."
"Young Emperor?"
Lu Qinghe carefully pronounced this name. Young?
"Spirit?"
"I didn't say that."
Looking at Lu Qinghe, Lu Qingyun had a look of longing and reverie, "Qinghe, didn't we discuss before whether the rumors about the immortals in the Seeking Immortal Sect were true or not? But now, I can give you a definite answer."
"Immortal!"
Lu Qinghe suddenly comprehended.
"The Young Emperor is the immortal who refined the Golden Core?"
"Yes!"
Lu Qingyun nodded vigorously.
As for Juan Yun and Lei Jian, when they heard this name, they also showed a look of envy and awe.
"The Young Emperor is a tree spirit that has attained the Way, belonging to the realm of plant spirits."
"You have become his disciple?"
Lu Qingyun nodded.
"Disciple of the Immortal."
Lu Qinghe barely survived in the Kunwu Mountain range, snatching an opportunity from Lu Qiankun to cultivate to the pinnacle of the nine layers of true alchemy. He is currently undergoing the test of Tai Yuan, with the only hope of opening the Yuan Realm within a year in order to receive the inheritance of the Eastern Sword Sect.
Upon returning, Lu Qingyun not only broke through to the tenth layer of true alchemy but also became a disciple of the immortal.
Such differences arise in this manner.
"Qinghe, try your best to catch up. Don't let me leave you too far behind. Otherwise, if your progress in cultivation falls short next time, you'll surely receive a lesson from me."
Lu Qinghe waved his hand, not bothering to argue with her.
"Sister-apprentice Lu Qingyun."
At this moment, Gu Zhen and Wang You had also arrived in the small circle.
"The reason you persisted in participating in the third round and then followed the Young Emperor in cultivation is to give your spot to Lu Qinghe, right? However, Lu Qinghe has the achievement of killing Huang Tianfeng, and in the peak of the ninth layer of true alchemy, he is definitely outstanding. And today, you were defeated by Long Que and Jiang Xinyue. Those people also dared not to deny you this face."
Gu Zhen said, glancing at Lu Qinghe.
He was somewhat jealous of this little guy's good luck.
Back in the day, he also participated in the Sword Fight for Immortality, but unfortunately did not make it to the top ten and missed the chance at the prestigious academy.
"Qingyun?"
Lu Qinghe understood what was going on and looked at Lu Qingyun.
"That's right."
Lu Qingyun nodded: "I am going to follow the Young Emperor for cultivation, and you must not be left too far behind. I will win the spot in the prestigious academy and hand it over to you, but don't let me down."
Lu Qingyun was also very curious about the prestigious academy, but unfortunately, he missed the Sword Fight for Immortality. If he wanted to win, he had to go to the Ancient Capital to participate in the Battle of the Ages. Lu Qingyun giving up this spot saved him from a lot of trouble.
"Brother apprentice Lu Qinghe, don't disappoint the efforts of Sister-apprentice Lu Qingyun."
Gu Zhen said.
Lu Qinghe nodded.
"Well, things are settled here. I believe that after today's battle, there will be a lot of peace within the inner sect. Let's go back."
"Alright."
Gu Zhen and Wang You smiled, glancing at Jiang Xinyue and Long Que, with their pale faces, and at Jin Peng, who was standing outside the battle circle but not daring to make a move.
Today's events were primarily the fault of the Judicial Department. Jiang Xinyue's actions were disgraceful, and even though Lu Qingyun, in front of the Judicial Department, killed Jiang He and several disciples of the Judicial Department, the Judicial Department would definitely not dare to pursue it.
Disciples?
There was no way the Judicial Department had a disciple who could match Lu Qingyun.
Elders?
The Blue Moon Lake would definitely not turn a blind eye.
Moreover...
The news of Lu Qingyun being accepted as a disciple by the Young Emperor had slowly spread in the upper circles of the Sword Fight for Immortality. Those elders would definitely not want to offend Lu Qingyun, who had unlimited potential, at this time.
Jiang Xinyue, Long Que, and others, in all likelihood, had also acted in secret from the senior elders of the South Sea.
Perhaps they felt that it was a minor matter, not worth alarming the senior elders of the South Sea, which was why the senior elders of the South Sea only casually made a move against Jiang Xinyue, Long Que, and others.
When they returned to the Judicial Department, they would probably still be subject to questioning by the senior elders of the South Sea.
...
Lu Qingyun's courtyard.
At this moment, the entire courtyard's Snow Eagle Swordsmen were all carefully attending to the guests.
Because, whether it was Juan Yun or Lei Jian, all the guests in the courtyard were big figures in the inner sect. Especially Gu Zhen and Wang You, they were even towering figures above the ninth layer of true alchemy, and they could sit on equal footing with the master of the Snow Sword Villa, Lu Qingfeng.
However, despite their respectful and courteous appearance, none of them showed the slightest fawning.
Because, these people came to the courtyard not to show off their might, but because of Lu Qingyun.
Without exception, everyone saw the potential in Lu Qingyun and deliberately came to be on good terms with her.
For these Snow Eagle Swordsmen to be able to serve such a genius-like lady, they were all filled with pride and joy.
"Sister-apprentice Lu Qingyun, the matter of the prestigious academy is basically without any major obstacles. When I return today, I will discuss it with Senior Brother Xiao Jiutian, and have Senior Brother Xiao Jiutian inform the sect master of this matter. I believe, soon, the final spot will be granted."
Gu Zhen said with a smile: "Why does the prestigious academy give us ten spots every time they enroll new students? In the final analysis, isn't it all because of the Young Emperor? Sister-apprentice Lu Qingyun, as a disciple of the Young Emperor, asking for a spot, the sect master won't say anything."
Juan Yun and Lei Jian nodded.
The fact that Blue Moon Lake has produced a genius-like freak like Lu Qingyun has also greatly increased the weight of their entire faction in the Sword Fight for Immortality. Even the sect master dare not overlook their words.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Gu Zhen."
"Haha, why be polite between us? In fact, with your identity now, even if you personally find Senior Brother Xiao Jiutian to report this matter, it would be a piece of cake."
Gu Zhen responded with a smile.
After that, he stood up, glanced at Wang You, and said: "With today's matters settled, we will take our leave first."
Juan Yun and Lei Jian also got up to follow.
"I saw off a few senior brothers," Lu Qingyun said as he got up.
"You are about to embark on a training journey with Lord Qinghuang, and before you leave, there might be many things to discuss with Junior Brother Lu Qinghe. So, there's no need for a send-off. We can just leave directly," Gu Zhen said, bowed to Lu Qingyun, and left.
However, as Wang You left, he said to Lu Qinghe, "Lu Qinghe, you have already achieved the ability to slay Huang Tianfeng. In my Blue Moon Lake, you are truly enjoying the treatment of an attendant. I will have a disciple bring it to you in a while."
"Thank you, President Wang," Lu Qinghe bowed.
Wang nodded and, along with Gu Zhen, left Lu Qingyun's courtyard.
After a while, when Juanyun and Lei Jian had left, Gu Zhen pondered and said, "The mountain peak where Lord Qinghuang resides is sealed by a great array to prevent the dissipation of its vital energy. It only opens every three years. When we meet Lu Qingyun again, it will be three years later. I wonder what achievements her junior sister, Lu Qinghe, will have in three years, and whether she can open up the inheritance of the elemental realm."
"Lu Qingyun's future is already quite promising. If she achieves something in her cultivation, she will definitely support our Blue Moon Lake to some extent. Right now, my concern is Lu Qinghe."
"Lu Qinghe?" Gu Zhen looked at Wang You with curiosity. "What's different about Lu Qinghe?"
"Hehe, I'm just thinking, is Lu Qinghe really as talented as the rumors from the outside suggest, that his achievements today are due to Lu Qingyun's influence, or... he is truly a genius matching or even surpassing Lu Qingyun," Wang You said.
"Lu Qinghe definitely has talent, and with Lu Qingyun's careful guidance, it's not surprising that he has achieved what he has today. However, I don't believe his talent could reach the level that matches or surpasses Lu Qingyun's. Top-tier geniuses like Lu Qingyun are rarely seen in the Immortal Sect for decades, hence, I doubt that Lu Qinghe's talent can match hers. Otherwise, Lord Qinghuang wouldn't have taken such an interest in her," Gu Zhen responded.
"Is that so..." Wang You had other thoughts. He had already decided to observe Lu Qinghe closely. If Lu Qinghe did indeed possess talent not inferior to Lu Qingyun's, Blue Moon Lake would definitely give full support. If his talent was exceptional but fell short of being a top-tier genius, Blue Moon Lake, due to Lu Qingyun's connections, would provide some care but wouldn't allocate too many resources.
"Dragon or snake, without the cover of Lu Qingyun's radiance, it will be revealed soon."