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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nThe night sky was populated by stars and a bright moon.

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nMentor Wen operated the flight sword, ferrying the three students back to Luojiang City.

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nThe flight sword landed on the practice grounds of Luojiang Academy. The rune dissipated and the trio disembarked.

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nMentor Wen removed his Flight Sword Examination pass from the sword guard and banished the flight sword. The flight sword returned into the space ring. He gave the trio a satisfactory smile.

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n“I’m proud of your performance in the Gathering of Swords. Fang Lang especially, you’ve surprised me. Don’t get cocky and complacent. We’re 21 days away from the Imperial Examination. You gave up your chance to enter the outer sect so best you prepare for the coming exam,” Mentor Wen advised.

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nUnder the moonlight, Fang Lang spoke in a steady voice, “I’m working hard.”

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nThe Blooming Lotus Sword was strapped to his back.

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nAt the boy’s confirmation, Mentor Wen nodded.

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nHe did not doubt Fang Lang’s words.

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nFang Lang’s Sword Draw Technique, Spirit Step and Dual Sword Technique were skills that required a lot of time and effort to master.

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nThe hardship Fang Lang had to go through was unimaginable.

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nDue to his weak core, the boy had to work harder than others.

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n“I believe you’ll achieve great things one day,” Mentor Wen said with a smile. “Alright, go on home now.”

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nFang Lang, Liu Bubai and Jiang Linglong bowed. Mentor Wen gave them an easy smile before turning to leave. His silhouette disappeared into the night.

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nThe trio left the academy.

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nLiu Bubai was the first to part ways with them. Jiang Linglong and Fang Lang continued their way down the main street.

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nIt was a quiet and lonely night on the street.

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nThe duo walked on without exchanging words. Moments later, the rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement was heard.

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nZhao Wuji arrived with a decorated carriage.

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nHe got down from the vehicle and made a respectful bow at Jiang Linglong. “My lady, the competition has ended. It is time for us to head back to Imperial City.”

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n“I know,” came the neutral reply.

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nJiang Linglong turned to look at Fang Lang.

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nThe night was dark but the moonlight spilled from the sky.

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nThe stars in the young lady’s eyes sparkled.

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n“I’ll know when you come to Imperial City. I’ll be waiting.”

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nA bright smile crossed her face and her eyes crinkled into crescent moons.

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nStanding to one side, Zhao Wuji shivered.

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n‘What… What was that?’

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nHe surreptitiously glanced between Fang Lang and Jiang Linglong.

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nThe polite smile on his face twitched. There was a hint of fear in his eyes.

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nF*ck!

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n‘Fang Lang! What did you do to the lady?

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n‘It was only three days!

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n‘How quick was the boy?’

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nZhao Wuji had been careless.

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nThe smile on his face turned ugly. Seeing the cheerful smile beneath Jiang Linglong’s veil made his chest pound.

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n‘My… My lady, you have to maintain the aloofness of an iceberg!’

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nJiang Linglong ignored the concerned Zhao Wuji. With a graceful leap, her slender body twisted into the carriage, green silk dancing in the air.

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nZhao Wuji sat in the driver’s seat and held the reins. He gave Fang Lang a complex look.

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nThe lady had made her decision. There was nothing he could do.

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nHe forgave the boy.

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nZhao Wuji’s eyes were drawn toward the sword box on Fang Lang’s back.

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nThe Blooming Lotus Sword.

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nFang Lang managed to retrieve it when the lady had failed?

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nA confused expression crossed his face.

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nWith this sword in his possession, Fang Lang and the lady would undoubtedly cross paths again.

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n‘Kid, you have a long journey ahead of you. You made this choice. You will face many hardships and obstacles that are beyond your comprehension…’

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nOld Zhao sighed.

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n‘Hopefully, you won’t give up easily. I look forward to the next time we meet.’

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nZhao Wuji flicked the reins. The gallant horse whinnied and raised its hooves.

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nFang Lang watched as light appeared beneath the hooves. Runes spun slowly on the ground, circling the horse.

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nDong!

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nThe horse trotted onto the light and the light scattered into a torrent of starlight. The wind picked up the carriage as the horse traveled the sky.

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nThe blinds of the tiny carriage window fluttered.

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nThe starry eyes of the young lady disappeared completely.

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nUnder the night sky, Fang Lang stood in the middle of the lonely main street.

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nHe stared at the departing horse carriage in the sky and let out a shaky breath.

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nFrom the start to end, Fang Lang did not catch a glimpse of the face underneath the veil.

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nThe bright eyes were all he had to remember Old Jiang by.

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n“Unfortunately, with Old Jiang gone, I’ll get less rewards.”

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nFang Lang sighed.

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nWhat a shame.

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nHe tugged the straps of his sword box and turned to leave, green sleeves swaying with the motion.

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nHe looked like an uninhibited free spirit.

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nA temporary separation for a better meet in the future.

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nFang Lang believed the next time he saw Old Jiang, they would have many cultivation-related discussions. He would ensure they had meaningful interactions.

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n…

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nWhen Fang Lang reached the Fang Manor, the servants were already fast asleep.

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nHis entrance startled the servant in charge of the night guard. The servant put on a robe and came to greet Fang Lang.

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nFang Lang asked about Old Fang’s whereabouts and the servant informed him the old man was still out dealing with the accounts.

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nInstead of heading to his room, Fang Lang left the Fang Manor in search of his father. He went to the market street owned by the Fang family.

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nHe saw the candlelight flicker in the dark as he approached.

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nFang Lang neared the building and peered into the window. He saw Old Fang squinting in the dim light of the oil lamp. The old man was using an abacus as he checked the account books.

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nThe faint illumination was tough on the old man’s eyes.

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n“Old Fang,” Fang Lang called out as he approached with his newly-acquired sword on his back.

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nThe noise startled Old Fang. He put down the ledger, looked up and saw Fang Lang. Happiness crossed the old man’s face.

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n“Ah! The Fang family sword genius is back!”

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nOld Fang rushed out of the room in excitement.

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nFang Lang raised an eyebrow. “Why’re you doing the accounts at this hour? Can’t you let the accountant do it tomorrow?”

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nOld Fang waved his hand. The light from the flame made his face red. “You’ve made your ancestors proud. Headmaster Cui informed me about your victory in the individual event. I must admit, I didn’t believe it at first.

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n“I hear you didn’t take up the Sword Guild’s offer so I wanted to get you some spirit crystals in preparation for the Imperial Examination. Hence, I’m looking into the accounts to barter with the trading company under the Ministry of Finance. Two mid-grade spirit crystals should give you an edge. 21 days left until the exam!

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n“As you father, this is the best I can do to help you,” Old Fang said with a sheepish smile.

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nFang Lang felt a warmth in his chest.

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nHis father’s love was mighty as a mountain.

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nA father’s sacrifice for his children was unspoken.

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nA mid-grade spirit crystal was slightly better than a low-grade spirit crystal—it was easier to absorb but the difference was not huge. The going price did not match the quality of the goods.

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nSpirit crystals could not close the gap between the cores but Old Fang saw how hardworking Fang Lang was and decided he would get his son the mid-grade spirit crystals.

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nWhat was all the money Old Fang earned for?

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nWas it not to make sure his son got a better future?

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n“Come on. Let’s go home. Are you hungry? Were you nervous for the competition? Come, I’ll treat you to wontons.”

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nOld Fang extinguished the oil lamp and kept the books. He put on his outerwear and shut the door.

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nHe led his son to a wonton stall that was still open at the end of the street.

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nAfter enjoying some steaming wontons, they headed back to the Fang Manor. Old Fang gave Fang Lang a few words of encouragement before retiring for the night.

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nFang Lang returned to his own room.

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nOn the table, he found the two mid-sized spirit crystals that his father spent a fortune on within an embroidered box.

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nA low-grade spirit crystal cost 100 gold coins, a mid-grade spirit crystal was equivalent to 100 low-grade spirit crystals.

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n10,000 gold coins!

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nIt was not a small sum.

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nThe amount was a dent in the Fang family coffers and likely disrupted the money flow in the family business.

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nFang Lang took a deep breath and put away the mid-grade spirit crystals.

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n“Two mid-grade spirit crystals have been deposited into the space ring.”

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nThe space ring notification chimed.

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nFang Lang set the sword box down. He sat cross-legged on his bed and pulled out the remaining low-grade spirit crystals provided by the System. He switched into his binding partner’s cultivation state and began cultivating.

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nOutside the room, Old Fang had lingered. He walked over to Fang Lang’s room and peered into the window. He watched his diligent son train with the spirit crystals.

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n‘No one knows how hardworking my son is.’

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nOld Fang did not know what to expect from the Imperial Examination. However, he was sure Fang Lang would not have any regrets. His son was giving it his all!

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nOld Fang had a wistful smile on his face.

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nHe left the area on tiptoe, careful to stay silent for fear of disturbing his son’s cultivation.

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