Chapter 36: Golden Phase Palm Refinement, Black Hand Seeking the Sword

Shen Yingshu nodded. "The cultivation technique I chose is called the 'Golden Phase Body Tempering Art.' A senior brother from the Scripture Pavilion picked it out for me."

As she spoke, she stuck out her tongue. "There are so many books in the Scripture Pavilion; if I really had to flip through them one by one to choose, it would probably take me several days!"

"The senior brother who recommended this book said that practicing with this method consumes the fewest spirit stones and won't cause much damage to the body. It's one of the most popular body-tempering methods."

Jiang Youling thought for a moment. "Since a senior brother recommended it, it must be good. Then, starting from tomorrow, you must practice diligently."

Shen Yingshu nodded excitedly, her face full of determination. "Just you wait, Youling! Tomorrow, I will definitely wake up early and practice hard!"

Early the next morning, Jiang Youling pushed open her door and indeed saw Shen Yingshu already in the courtyard.

The mist was heavy and blue, the dark crow-blue of a pre-dawn sky.

Shen Yingshu stood before a large tree, took a deep breath, and then let out a soft shout. Her hands began to strike the tree trunk rhythmically, making the leaves rustle.

Before long, a thin layer of sweat covered her body, her palms turned bright red, and her expression gradually contorted.

"Pain, pain, pain!"

After enduring for dozens of breaths, Shen Yingshu finally cried out in pain. She looked at her red, swollen hands with heartache and said as if venting her anger, "Just what kind of murderous devil came up with such a self-torturing cultivation method! Argh!!"

Watching her, Jiang Youling felt the pain herself. "The Pavilion Master said that this kind of external hardening technique is best practiced after one has cleared the Hand Taiyin Meridian. Isn't it a bit too early for you to be practicing it now?"

"It is a bit early, but the earlier I practice, the sooner I'll see results. Who knows how long it will take to clear the Hand Taiyin Meridian if I wait."

Shen Yingshu rubbed her hands together and stared fiercely at the tree before her. "If others can do it, why can't I? I'm not afraid of pain, ha! I'll hit, hit, hit, hit, hit—"

The tree trembled, and leaves fell from time to time.

Jiang Youling did not try to persuade her further and silently began her morning exercises.

As for Shen Yingshu's grand body-tempering plan, after fifteen minutes of persistence, it finally came to an end due to the swelling and pain in her palms.

After finishing breakfast, Jiang Youling headed to the Talisman Pavilion as usual. Before she could make it to the Ink Workshop, she was stopped by Ruan Ziqin.

"Junior Sister Jiang, long time no see."

Jiang Youling gave a perfunctory salute.

Seeing that her attitude was not respectful, Ruan Ziqin did not seem to mind much—after all, it is difficult for anyone to maintain a pleasant expression toward someone who has deliberately made things difficult for them.

"Junior Sister, the month is nearly over. I called you here to ask how you've been feeling at the Ink Workshop lately. Have you learned the method of ink making yet?"

Jiang Youling considered herself to be of good temperament, but hearing this, she couldn't help but laugh.

"Is Senior Sister asking a question she already knows the answer to? The method of ink making is complex and tedious; how could a brand-new disciple like me learn it so easily? I'll just wait for the three-month period to pass, and then Senior Sister can kick me out of the Talisman Pavilion!"

Ruan Ziqin sighed. "I know you feel wronged, but I am merely asking as a matter of routine. The Deacon Senior Brother is a magnanimous person. If you don't want to stay in the Ink Workshop, you could plead with Senior Brother Zhao. Perhaps he can find a way to switch you to an easier job."

Jiang Youling's mind stirred. Was the person behind Senior Sister Ruan the Deacon Senior Brother? Was she deliberately giving her a hint?

It made sense. Since they were after the Pine Pattern Sword, their goal was naturally not to kick her out of the Talisman Pavilion, but to use this to manipulate her and seize the treasure.

If she were more obedient and proactively offered up the sword, she would invisibly resolve this crisis and even use it to build a good relationship with Senior Sister Ruan and the Senior Brother Zhao behind her.

But why should she give up her own belongings?

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister Ruan. However, with the end of the month approaching, I haven't finished making the Red Sand Ink I need to turn in. I'm afraid I won't have time to see that Senior Brother Zhao."

Ruan Ziqin was somewhat annoyed by Jiang Youling's lack of gratitude—she had thought that after the lesson from Master Hong, the girl would have learned her place.

She instantly lost her patience, and her words carried a hint of warning.

"Junior Sister Jiang, are you sure you want to persist in this way? If you fail to complete your tasks this month, I have the right to deduct your monthly stipend!"

As the anger in Jiang Youling's heart deepened, her expression became even calmer.

"If you want to punish me, then do it. It's just a spirit stone and a Heart-Clearing Pill. I've already looked into it—my Pine Pattern Sword can sell for at least six hundred spirit stones!"

Ruan Ziqin's expression changed instantly, her tone sharp and urgent. "What do you mean by that, Junior Sister?"

Jiang Youling chuckled softly. "It means nothing. I'm just letting you know, Senior Sister. I don't care about that little stipend at all. If you want to deduct it, go ahead."

With that, the young girl walked away leisurely.

Ruan Ziqin was left standing there, her expression shifting between various moods.

After hesitating for a moment, Ruan Ziqin finally hurried off to find Zhao Cheng.

"Senior Brother Zhao, it seems Junior Sister Jiang knows that you want the Pine Pattern Sword. She has even secretly inquired about its price, saying it can sell for at least six hundred spirit stones. Furthermore, since entering the Ink Workshop, she has been slacking off every day, seemingly not caring at all if she gets kicked out."

Hearing this, Zhao Cheng was not surprised in the slightest.

"It is only natural for someone gifted a high-grade iron sword during the Sect Entrance Ceremony to inquire about its price. However, some things cannot be bought with spirit stones alone. Since our purpose has been seen through, there is no need to hide it. Go and call her to me. I have my own ways to make her hand over the item obediently."

"Yes."

Ruan Ziqin composed herself and hurried away.

Not long after, Jiang Youling received word that the Deacon Senior Brother requested her presence.

The Deacon Senior Brother possessed a spiritual root, and his status and position far exceeded that of an ordinary disciple.

Following behind Ruan Ziqin, Jiang Youling entered the Deacon Senior Brother's courtyard and finally met the person who coveted her iron sword.

He appeared to be in his late thirties or early forties, with a fair complexion and an inner spiritual glow, giving off the impression of someone not to be trifled with.

As Jiang Youling observed Zhao Cheng, Zhao Cheng was also observing the young girl.

The girl was not a peerless beauty, but her temperament was remarkable; her bright, clear eyes showed not a hint of panic.

Zhao Cheng gave her an extra glance and casually pointed to a bamboo stool nearby. "Sit."

As soon as Jiang Youling sat down, she heard him say, "I heard you are not from Demon-Subduing City?"

Jiang Youling's body tensed, and her gaze became guarded.

What did he want to do? Use her identity against her?

Noticing the girl's hostility, Zhao Cheng merely smiled faintly. "It must not have been easy to persuade the Chen family to open their genealogy and record your name, right?"

Jiang Youling forced herself to remain calm. "I joined the Chen family with my father, and my household registration is with them. Everything is legal and compliant. If you think you can use this to threaten me, Senior Brother, I'm afraid you've miscalculated."

"You're overthinking it. I invited you here simply because I want to discuss a business deal with you."

The smile on Zhao Cheng's face deepened. "I heard that your grandmother at home is very eager to have her descendants enter the Taixuan Sect?"

July 1st, a new month, a new beginning.

(End of Chapter)