Engaging Zhao Lang in a contest within a labyrinthine array was a fool’s errand, especially when the very paths and walls shifted at his opponent’s whim.

Thus, Jiang Wang simply soared, his figure arcing upwards to alight upon the stone wall.

Awaiting him were whistling gales of fiery projectiles.

Jiang Wang executed a swift somersault in mid-air, his feet brushing lightly against the stone, and drove his sword straight forth.

Yet, unseen until that moment, vines that had crept along the stone wall suddenly sprang forth, ensnaring Jiang Wang’s ankle.

The sword light danced, severing the entanglement. Simultaneously, Jiang Wang was forced to shift sideways, widening the distance between himself and Zhao Lang.

Wind blades, long in the brewing, followed in rapid succession, tearing through the air with a shriek.

Their contest, a back-and-forth of exquisite skill, captivated the soldiers observing from outside the formation. They shed their initial disdain for disciples of the Dao Academy and their respect for Zhao Lang deepened further.

By this point, Jiang Wang had abandoned the use of Dao techniques entirely. His comprehension and application of such arts paled in comparison to Zhao Lang’s; he found little room to maneuver, his attempts often forcibly disrupted.

He chose instead to focus solely on the refinement of his swordsmanship.

No longer bound by the restrictive Five Styles of Slaughter, he had begun to dissect the Purple Qi Donglai Sword Technique, gradually integrating its essence into every stroke. Each subsequent thrust of his blade could now transform into a killing method, and each killing method could be seamlessly reversed.

Every sword became the Purple Qi Donglai Sword.

This process was arduous and lengthy, yet he was fortunate that Zhao Lang proved a willing sparring partner. Though his Dao techniques were undeniably brilliant, Zhao Lang never unleashed his most potent attacks, instead constantly pushing Jiang Wang to improve.

For every subtle refinement in Jiang Wang’s swordsmanship, Zhao Lang would commensurately increase the power of his Dao techniques. This level of control, when juxtaposed with the terrifying might Zhao Lang had displayed, was truly astonishing.

Finally, Jiang Wang somersaulted out of the array and bowed deeply to Zhao Lang.

“Thank you, Brother Zhao, for your guidance!”

In that moment, the sword in his hand felt complete.

He could draw it at any instant, and every strike was a killing blow.

“Thank me for what?” Zhao Lang chuckled. “Perhaps in the future, we will fight side-by-side.”

Truly, he was a talent worthy of assisting Wei Yan in the management of the military camp. After a bout, he had not only bestowed a favor but also offered a lesson to his subordinates. Even now, he did not forget to subtly recruit.

The outcome of their match was beyond question.

The soldiers below roared with good-natured urging, “Precisely, brother! You’re a master of your craft, don’t bother with the county exam! Come join our army! We’re all sturdy fellows here!”

So they said. While the sturdy fellows were indeed heroic, what truly drew their attention? Though the City Dao Academy lacked renowned senior sisters, rumor had it that the County Academy boasted numerous beautiful female cultivators.

Inwardly, Jiang Wang had already dismissed their suggestions, yet outwardly, he replied with enthusiastic perfunctory, “The county exam is still some time away. I’ll make my decision then.”

His visit to the City Guard camp that day could be deemed immensely fruitful. After agreeing with Zhao Lang to seek his counsel again when time allowed, Jiang Wang departed with Tang Dun.

…

The soldiers gradually dispersed. Zhao Lang lingered for a moment before seeing Wei Yan approach, a saber at his hip.

“A show of indulgence,” Wei Yan sneered.

Zhao Lang smiled wryly, “If breaking through realms were as effortless for you, I wouldn’t have to invest so much effort in these matters. I poured my energy into the Lesser Heavenly Cycle, yet it remains incomplete. Completing the Great Heavenly Cycle isn’t easy either; progress is slow, and the Heavenly Gate remains unseen. The army is a place that demands raw combat power. If I don’t contemplate the path of Dao techniques, what else can I do?”

His words were simple, and his expression was placid.

Yet, how much sweat and toil had it taken to achieve such proficiency in almost all common low-level Dao techniques?

Now, he could calmly serve as the Deputy General of the Fenglin City City Guard, stand alongside Wei Yan, and accept the respectful deference of his subordinates.

This was not merely the bridging of the chasm between the ordinary and the genius.

It was the payment of a price in hardship beyond what ordinary people could conceive.

The entire Fenglin City City Guard comprised one General, two Vice-Generals, and five Deputy Generals. These eight individuals formed the upper echelon of the army’s leadership, and Wei Yan and Zhao Lang were among them.

“You simply think too much for others, and too little for yourself.”

“Let’s not speak of me,” Zhao Lang changed the subject. “What about you? You’ve already opened the Heavenly Gate. When are you heading to Jiujiang?”

Wei Yan’s face darkened. “The transfer order was not approved.”

Zhao Lang, of course, understood the reason and did not press for an explanation. Instead, he patted his shoulder. “You no longer need to go to such a place to prove yourself. In fact, joining the White Feather Army is a better option, and it’s right in the capital. You are no less capable than Zhu Weiwo. Perhaps one day, General Huangfu will take notice of you.”

“Hah. As long as I cannot spread my wings and soar freely, as long as I cannot shake off this control, I can never surpass Zhu Weiwo.”

Zhao Lang noticed that the knuckles of Wei Yan’s hand gripping the saber were slightly pale, a result of excessive force.

“He always believes he is right and never considers the feelings of others. If it weren’t for my mother…” Wei Yan’s words trailed off.

Zhao Lang remained silent for a while, allowing him to compose himself, then said, “Perhaps he cares for you too, but simply doesn’t know how to express it.”

“Ha.” Wei Yan sneered. “You don’t understand him at all. Nor do you understand me.”

Zhao Lang fell silent.

“Do you think he is atoning for his sins? Do you think he feels guilty? You are far too naive!” Wei Yan pressed his hand against the saber and departed.

Zhao Lang watched his retreating figure, making no move to follow.

…

When the cloud crane arrived, it still clutched a piece of white, round jade stone in its beak.

Jiang An’an reached out and grasped it. The cloud crane dissolved into a piece of paper, and the jade stone lay in her palm.

“For you!” Jiang An’an covered her eyes with the small hands holding the jade stone and extended the paper to Jiang Wang with the other. “An’an didn’t peek.”

Jiang Wang lightly tapped her nose with his finger. “Naughty little one.”

He opened the letter.

Friend Jiang,

Who is without doubts? I dare not presume to be a mentor in a single word. The path is long, and Qingyu is also one who questions.

Pray extend my greetings to your younger sister. The cloud crane carries an image-retaining stone, a wish to hear a child’s voice.

Furthermore, where lies the land beneath the maple trees?

—Qingyu Upon the Clouds

“This jade stone is for the sister who wrote the letter to speak with you.” Jiang Wang read the letter, took the white image-retaining stone, infused it with a trace of Dao Yuan, and then returned it to An’an.

“Now, you speak to it, and your appearance and voice can be recorded and seen by the owner of the cloud crane.”

“Really?” Jiang An’an’s eyes widened.

The image-retaining stone suddenly cast a white light screen, and a beautiful little girl on the screen widened her eyes. “Really?”

It had perfectly replicated Jiang An’an’s appearance.

“Isn’t this too amazing?”

After a moment – “Isn’t this too amazing?”

“It’s starting to record, An’an. Speak properly,” Jiang Wang reminded from the side.

“It’s starting to record, An’an. Speak properly.”

The image-retaining stone repeated the same voice, making Jiang An’an giggle.

After her laughter subsided, she lifted her chin, thought seriously, and said to the image-retaining stone, “Sister, can you use this stone to talk to me? An’an wants to see what you look like!”

After she finished speaking, she handed the image-retaining stone to Jiang Wang.

Until Jiang Wang closed the image-retaining stone and the white light screen vanished, she whispered, “I~said~finished~”

Jiang Wang’s smile abruptly faded. “If you’re finished, go do your homework! All you know is how to be lazy!”

After shooing An’an away, he pondered for a moment and penned a reply on the cloud paper:

Friend Ye,

Fenglin City is my homeland, and the maple forest beyond the city is truly beautiful.

Each autumn day, the maple leaves are as red as fire. Words cannot convey, meaning cannot describe.

You reside in the land above the clouds, and I dwell in the city beneath the maple trees.

Beneath the maple trees holds this very meaning.

I return the image-retaining stone with this letter. My younger sister is young and inexperienced; pray do not be surprised.

—Little Jiang Beneath the Maple Trees