Chapter 113 – Assessment

  Jade Lotus Pavilion was overseen by Mu Yanyu, and it reflected her nature in its every detail.

  While it was still a part of Tranquil Mountain, it had the appearance of green jade. Its slopes were covered in flowers, and at its summit, there was a pavilion next to a mirror-like pond with water so clear that it reflected the sky above without distortion.

  The Disciples of Jade Lotus Pavilion resided in buildings whose architecture was graceful rather than imposing, which the central pavilion matched perfectly. Its curved eaves swept upward like the wings of a crane, painted in green and ivory and covered in etchings of lotuses.

  A polished stone path wound its way through the peak, cutting around manicured gardens and small bamboo groves that highlighted each other's appearance. Nothing was left neglected; every tree was pruned, and every stone carefully placed.

  The interior of the Pavilion was open and airy, with silk draperies that swayed in the spring breeze. Winter had passed, and the temperature rose swiftly as the sun shone intensely above. The air was filled with the sound of flowing water, and the entire peak had a tranquil harmony intended to soothe the mind.

  Jade Lotus Peak reflected its master, demanding respect through effortless grace and elegance rather than sheer power or opulence.

  The sun was shining directly above, causing the water of the pond to shimmer, when Mu Yanyu looked up to see Jun De approaching. For a heartbeat, she was taken aback by the changes in him.

  He walked with an almost otherworldliness, far more elegant and graceful than one would expect from a young Inner Sect Disciple. His cultivation had risen to the peak of the 7th Level of Qi Condensation, and its foundation showed how steady and refined it was through the unbroken flow of Qi that shimmered around him.

  Jun De’s body refinement was beginning to show in his skin as it gleamed faintly in the sunlight, as if he were made of polished jade. His appearance, as remarkable as it had been before, had been elevated to another level.

  Even Mu Yanyu’s heart began to beat more quickly at the sight of him.

  Yet what struck her the most wasn’t the changes in his physical appearance or his cultivation, but his temperament. The air around Jun De felt calm, almost detached, as though the concerns of the world no longer clung to him.

  He walked toward her pavilion without any hesitation, and his expression was serene and peaceful. In that moment, Jun De didn’t resemble a mortal cultivator at all, but an immortal who had chosen to walk the earth.

  Mu Yanyu’s breath caught, and she marvelled at how stark the change in him was. He had only been in the Inner Sect for half a year, which was short in the lifespan of a cultivator, but whatever brutal training he was undergoing had worked to reforge him.

  But, despite his different aura, she could still sense the same gentle, kind Jun De that she was familiar with.

  Her lips curved into a smile as he entered her Pavilion and bowed.

  “Inner Sect Disciple Jun De greets Vice Sect Master Mu.”

  She had summoned him that morning in order to assess his progress after six months of training. Mu Yanyu had told him to check in with her every month, but she knew he was training with Shen Weifeng and knew he was in capable hands.

  Regardless of the former Elder’s previous failure to reach Foundation Establishment, there were few in the Sect that she trusted more to advise Jun De. Shen Weifeng understood the consequences of rushing cultivation and knew what to avoid in order to prevent Jun De from following in his wake.

  Jun De looked around at Jade Lotus Peak with curiosity. Mu Yanyu’s courtyard and pavilion were at the heart of her peak, and it was as carefully tended as the rest of the grounds. He could see beds of rare and valuable herbs being used as mere decorations along walkways; their Qi-rich fragrance lingered in the air, blending together like perfume.

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  Next to the pavilion was a large pond with crystal clear water. Dozens of fish swam lazily within, their scales shimmering with spiritual energy that infused the water.

  Jun De slowed his pace when he saw Mu Yanyu sitting at a low table near the back of the pavilion next to the pond. The sleeves of her blue robes were tucked back, and oddly, she had a paintbrush in her right hand.

  A half-finished painting was spread out in front of her, and Jun De could see the colours blending into one another from her strokes that clearly lacked refinement and skill, but instead cut across the paper like sword-cuts.

  “There is no need to be so formal with me when we are alone, Jun De.” Mu Yanyu said as she placed the brush on a small cup on the table and lowered the sleeves of her robes to once again cover her wrists.

  “Of course, Elder Mu. I didn’t know you painted.” Jun De said as he moved toward her in order to better see what she had painted.

  Mu Yanyu hesitated for a moment, her hand twitching toward the canvas as if she wanted to hide it, before she sighed and let Jun De look at her work.

  “It is something I recently picked up. The Sect Master suggested it might help me calm my mind and organize my thoughts.” Her gaze lingered on the painting, and Jun De suddenly realized that it was supposed to be a flower. Its petals were uneven, and the proportions were all wrong.

  “What do you think?” Mu Yanyu turned her eyes to him and shyly asked.

  Jun De blinked, caught off guard by the question. He had expected someone as talented as Mu Yanyu to be good at whatever she tried, but clearly the Elder was as human as everyone else.

  He coughed softly into his fist, buying himself a moment of time. Jun De’s mind flashed back to his university days on Earth, where he had attended classes on poetry, classical literature, and the arts. He knew enough to recognize that Mu Yanyu’s work was terrible, but he couldn’t think of a way to politely tell her that.

  Jun De forced a small smile.

  “I don’t know much about painting, but I think it’s good.” Jun De replied, trying his best to sound convincing.

  Mu Yanyu’s lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes softening with amusement.

  “Liar.” She said simply, her tone light and teasing.

  For the first time since he had arrived on Jade Lotus Peak, Jun De’s lofty, untouchable air faltered. Mu Yanyu laughed as she rose from her seat and moved nearer to Jun De.

  “Fortunately, Jun De, I did not summon you here to critique my artistic abilities.” Mu Yanyu said softly as she reached his side.

  Jun De felt his heart quicken on instinct, and he had trouble maintaining his composure as he could feel her near him. He could smell her perfume, similar to the flowers around them but distinct enough for him to recognize as belonging to her.

  It had been a long time since he had stood so close to a woman, much less one of the most beautiful he had ever seen in his life. For the last six months, he had no one but Shen Weifeng to talk to, apart from a few days of torture with Zhao Wuxian.

  Mu Yanyu seemed unaware of Jun De’s inner turmoil as she extended her hand and gently took his wrist in her hand. Her touch was cool on his skin and as light as a feather, but it sent a ripple through Jun De’s chest.

  ‘So much for Shen Weifeng’s restraint training. It’s useless against Elder Mu.’ Jun De thought as he felt her Qi flow into him, circling his meridians as she also scanned him with her spiritual sense.

  Jun De stood still and allowed Elder Mu’s senses to travel through his meridians, bones and muscles. Her expression softened with relief as she confirmed that he was still in good health, his foundation was solid, and his body refinement had opened his meridians even further to allow his Qi to flow cleanly.

  “Your cultivation has stabilized at the peak of the 7th Level of Qi Condensation, and you lack any signs of strain due to your rapid advancement.” Mu Yanyu explained.

  But as her probe continued, her eyebrows arched faintly as shock flickered in her eyes. The state of his body wasn’t like anything she had expected. His bones carried a density and resilience that surpassed ordinary cultivators, and his muscles likewise showed imprints of arduous tempering.

  ‘This goes beyond the simple daily practice of the Stonebreaking Fist.’ Mu Yanyu thought. She had recommended Jun De practice in order to strengthen his hands, but it seemed as if he had shattered every bone in his hands and arms during his training!

  When her Qi finally withdrew, she reluctantly released his wrist and met his gaze.

  “Your health is excellent, but your body… What kind of training have you been doing with Shen Weifeng?” Mu Yanyu asked in concern.

  Jun De’s expression didn’t reveal anything as he shook his head.

  “Nothing unusual, just regular training with Elder Shen.”

  Mu Yanyu’s eyes narrowed as she sensed a deliberate understatement in Jun De’s words.

  “Regular training wouldn’t temper your body to this degree. Whatever you are doing, do not push yourself too hard. Even steel can shatter if the forging is too harsh.”

  Jun De inclined his head.

  “And, you have been neglecting your other duties. You have not attended your lectures or set foot in the Alchemy Hall in months. The patrol rosters show your absence as well. Training is important, Jun De, and I understand how seriously you take your cultivation, but I do not want you to lack knowledge of critical areas of your studies.”

  Jun De exhaled slowly and bowed.

  “You’re right, Elder Mu. I will focus more on them after the Inner Sect Ranking Competition ends.”

  ‘And Elder Shen gives me a break!’ Jun De added.

  Mu Yanyu regarded him in silence, wondering if she should say something more, but she let the subject rest.

  “I will hold you to that promise, Jun De.”