I Secretly Cultivate Immortality in the Martial Arts World

The two walked into a secluded maple grove outside the herb garden.

The maple leaves were just beginning to blush red, and within the forest, only the sound of wind rustling through leaves could be heard.

Lin Wei stopped beneath a thick, ancient maple tree, turned to face Gu Yan, the smile on her face fading slightly as her expression grew serious:

“Junior Brother, I still don’t know how to address you?”

“Outer sect disciple, Gu Yan.” Gu Yan cupped his hands.

“Gu Yan… a good name.” Lin Wei repeated softly, her eyes brightening slightly as she suddenly stepped half a pace closer.

“Junior Brother Gu, my name is Lin Wei.”

“Though we have only known each other for a short time, during these days, I have observed that your temperament is steady, quite different from ordinary disciples.”

“What I’m about to say may seem somewhat abrupt… but I truly fell for you at first sight and wish to become Dao companions with you, to pursue the Martial Dao together.”

“I wonder, Junior Brother… what do you think?”

Although Taiyi Dao Sect belonged to the Daoist lineage, it was not a sect that required ascetic abstinence.

Within the sect, if male and female disciples were mutually affectionate and formed Dao companions, supporting each other, it was regarded as a common matter under the sect rules.

Hearing this, Gu Yan revealed a trace of astonishment and difficulty on his face, just about to politely decline…

Unexpectedly, Lin Wei seemed prepared. Without waiting for him to speak, she continued:

“Junior Brother, don’t be in a hurry to refuse. I know that cultivation in the outer sect is not easy, and resources are scarce.”

“I am now already at the peak of the first rotation of Martial Dao, with inner force filling all nine acupoints. In a few days, I will be able to condense a qi vortex and advance to the second rotation.”

“Once I break through, the first-rotation pills and cultivation aids I currently use will no longer be of much use to me.”

“At that time, I can give them all to you, helping you break through to the late stage of the first rotation, or even the peak!”

Seeing Gu Yan’s gaze shift slightly, as if considering, Lin Wei felt delighted and pressed her advantage, even taking out a yellowed booklet from her sleeve.

“And this sword technique!”

She held the booklet out before Gu Yan.

“This was something I obtained by chance while traveling through the Great Qian with my master back then. It is not a sect martial art, called 《Flowing Light Splitting Shadow Sword》.”

“I have tried to comprehend it, but found its meaning obscure and profound, difficult to even begin. However, the sword principles within are absolutely extraordinary.”

“Today, I will give it to you, Junior Brother!”

Gu Yan’s gaze fell upon the booklet, and his heart trembled slightly.

In this world, cultivation methods and martial techniques did not have clearly defined ranks.

The quality of a cultivation method depended only on how many rotations its theory could support a practitioner to reach.

As for the strength of martial techniques, it entirely depended on how much true meaning one could comprehend.

Thus, an origin-unknown yet potentially extremely profound sword technique had immeasurable value.

Moreover, in the outer sect of Taiyi Dao Sect, exchanging for a decent sword technique required a staggering amount of contribution points.

His daily expenses were considerable, and most of his contribution points were spent on food, leaving him quite poor.

If he obtained this sword technique, not only would he gain a means of self-defense, but he could also use it to conceal the spiritual power characteristics that might differ from Martial Dao in the future.

Seeing that he was tempted, the smile at Lin Wei’s lips deepened, confident of victory.

Favored by a beauty, supplied with resources, and gifted a profound sword technique.

How many people could refuse such conditions?

However, after a moment of silence, Gu Yan took a deep breath and said:

“Senior Sister Lin’s kindness, Gu Yan is deeply grateful.”

“However, this junior brother is dull in aptitude and only wishes to focus wholeheartedly on Martial Dao cultivation, not daring to be distracted.”

“As for becoming Dao companions, please forgive me, Senior Sister, but I cannot agree.”

“And regarding what Senior Sister said today, Gu Yan will keep it strictly confidential and never spread it. Please rest assured.”

The smile on Lin Wei’s face stiffened, astonishment flashing through her eyes before embarrassment and anger surged up.

As an inner sect disciple, with both talent and beauty among the best, this was the first time she had taken such initiative—only to be rejected so decisively?

Gu Yan remained calm.

His direct refusal was not reckless, but because he had confidence.

No matter how relaxed Taiyi Dao Sect’s rules were, there were still severe punishments for harming fellow disciples.

Killing a fellow disciple without reason was considered demonic conduct. No matter how strong Lin Wei’s background was, she would never dare to blatantly violate this rule within the sect.

As for covert methods?

He would simply deal with them cautiously. It was better than being dragged into emotional trouble for the sake of temporary benefits.

The atmosphere froze for a moment, yet the anger in Lin Wei’s eyes somehow gradually dissipated.

This man did not covet her beauty, did not desire the resources she promised, and could even resist the temptation of this obviously extraordinary sword technique…

Waves stirred in Lin Wei’s heart.

She had seen too many people who fawned upon the powerful and abandoned principles for profit, and many who eagerly flattered her due to her beauty and status.

But someone like Gu Yan, who could still clearly and firmly say he only wanted to cultivate in the face of such temptation—she had almost never encountered.

Her mother had once said that in this world, handsome individuals and those with outstanding talent were not rare.

What was rare were those with firm character and depth.

At this thought, the annoyance in Lin Wei’s eyes completely vanished.

Rejection? It didn’t matter.

It only proved that Gu Yan had a resolute will, far beyond ordinary frivolous youths.

Such a man was even more worthy of her affection.

Wasn’t it just a matter of taking things slowly? She had plenty of time and patience.

Good meals were not afraid of being late, and good men… naturally required time to refine.

Thus, under Gu Yan’s slightly surprised gaze, Lin Wei suddenly let out a light laugh.

As if the fleeting embarrassment and anger from before had been nothing but an illusion, brightness returned to her beautiful face.

She did not withdraw the 《Flowing Light Splitting Shadow Sword》 booklet. Instead, with a turn of her wrist, she handed it to Gu Yan again.

“Alright, Junior Brother Gu, look how tense you are.”

“Senior Sister was just asking. If you’re unwilling, do you think I could force you to agree?”

“Cultivation comes first. This kind of resolve—not only do I understand it, I admire it.”

“As for this sword technique, you should still keep it.”

Just as Gu Yan was about to refuse again, Lin Wei continued, “This is just a copy I transcribed in my spare time. The original is, of course, safely stored.”

“Anyway, I couldn’t comprehend it. Letting it sit would only gather dust.”

“Today, seeing that you have a firm temperament and are truly devoted to Martial Dao, giving it to you can be considered finding it a destined owner.”

“Just take it. Study it in your spare time. If you gain something from it, that will be its fortune.”

Gu Yan’s thoughts raced.

Her attitude was generous—refusing again would instead make him seem unreasonable, and might even provoke her competitive nature.

Moreover, this sword technique held immense appeal for him and could greatly compensate for his current lack of offensive methods.

But once he accepted it, he would owe her a favor, and his entanglement with Lin Wei would likely become harder to sever…

He frowned slightly, but Lin Wei seemed to see through his hesitation and gave him no chance at all, directly stuffing the sword technique into his arms.

“Take it. Don’t be so awkward—it doesn’t suit someone straightforward.”

“Let’s go, let’s go. If we delay any longer, Senior Sister Su might think I abducted you and sold you.”

Before her words even finished, she had already turned and headed back the way they came.

Gu Yan stood there, watching her swiftly retreating figure, momentarily speechless.

After a while, he lowered his head to look at the 《Flowing Light Splitting Shadow Sword》 in his arms.

Sigh, since he couldn’t refuse it, he would accept it for now.

After all, it was a tangible form of assistance.

Having accepted this favor today, once his cultivation was sufficient in the future, he would repay her tenfold, a hundredfold.

Gu Yan steadied himself, suppressing his complicated thoughts before returning as well.