My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 352: Chapter 174: Guiyuan

”The plaza we were just in is where the disciples practice and drill the ’Root Skill’ from dawn till dusk.”

”To the east, there’s a bamboo forest that overlooks the mountains outside the valley. The scenery is quite elegant. You can go there in your spare time to enjoy the view and calm your heart.”

”To the north, follow the stream upstream to reach the Hundred Refinements Platform. It’s dedicated to honing the ’Leaf Skill’ and is sometimes used for sparring among disciples... However, all spars should be friendly exchanges. You must exercise restraint and not harm your camaraderie.”

”To the south is our Guiyuan Valley’s own Hundred Herbs House... Our Guiyuan Lineage, because its techniques foster a deep and steady energy, often cultivates the three Natures of True Essence—earth, wood, and water. This makes us excel at alchemy. The Hundred Herbs House contains many herbal classics and Elixir Recipes left behind by our predecessors. If you’re interested in that, you should visit it often...”

”And to the north is the path you took to get here, which leads back to the main Sect...”

Wen Suxin explained each location to Qin Fang.

Qin Fang listened, committing it all to memory.

’The Divine Thought from the Sect gave me some information, but only the broad strokes. It told me the location of the ’four pillars’ Senior Brother Luo mentioned, but nothing more specific.’

As Wen Suxin continued her explanation, he gradually formed a clearer picture of Guiyuan Valley...

’I have to admit, this Guiyuan Valley really suits my temperament.’

’If circumstances hadn’t forced my hand, I could have stayed in Fisherman City indefinitely.’

He had always been captivated by the feeling of cultivating in peace, growing stronger step by step.

What a pity...

The thought of Fisherman City made Qin Fang fall silent for a moment.

’Everything that happened with True Martial... It wasn’t long ago, yet it feels like a lifetime away.’

”We’re here.”

Qin Fang only came back to his senses when Wen Suxin spoke again.

He looked up and saw they had arrived at the West Hall.

Several disciples in Inner Sect attire were inside the Council Pavilion. Upon seeing Wen Suxin walk in with Qin Fang, they hurriedly stood up.

”Senior Sister.”

”Senior Sister.”

Wen Suxin smiled and greeted them, ”So it’s your turn on duty today?”

”Yes.” The disciples were very respectful, stealing glances at Qin Fang, obviously curious about his identity.

”This is Qin Fang, who has just joined us... But although he’s a new disciple, he already has True Essence Cultivation. By Sect rules, the more accomplished has priority, so you should address him as Senior Brother.”

Wen Suxin said with a smile.

The disciples were visibly stunned for a moment, then each of them gasped.

They quickly bowed respectfully and said, ”Greetings, Senior Brother Qin.”

Qin Fang snapped out of his daze, a smile forming on his face as he returned their greetings individually.

Qin Fang’s gentle demeanor made the disciples heave a collective sigh of relief.

Standing beside him, Wen Suxin’s eyes glinted, and the smile on her face grew wider.

The disciples then began to process Qin Fang’s registration.

He registered his name and received the light green-and-blue robes of a Guiyuan disciple, among other things... This marked the moment Qin Fang officially became a part of the Guiyuan Lineage.

Once the formalities were complete, Wen Suxin smiled and said, ”Junior Brother, your residence has been arranged in Jingxin Garden, A Courtyard Seven... The environment there is quiet and secluded, perfect for meditation... I’ll lead the way.”

”Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister Wen,” Qin Fang said quickly.

”It’s simply my duty.” Wen Suxin shook her head with a faint smile, her eyes curving into gentle crescents.

Qin Fang and Wen Suxin left the Council Pavilion, but the hushed discussion among the disciples inside still reached his ears.

”Today’s the last day of the Martial Arts Examination, and that Senior Brother Qin is in the True Essence Realm... Could he be this year’s top disciple?”

”Gods... it’s really possible...”

”I can’t believe he joined our Guiyuan Lineage!”

Their surprise was obvious.

Wen Suxin had clearly heard them, but her smile didn’t change; if anything, she seemed even happier.

Leaving the Council Pavilion, Wen Suxin led Qin Fang through a lush bamboo forest.

Along the way, they occasionally passed other disciples, all of whom bowed respectfully to Wen Suxin.

’Clearly, Wen Suxin holds a high status within the Guiyuan Lineage.’

Soon, a collection of elegant courtyards nestled in verdant greenery came into view.

”This is the place.”

Wen Suxin pushed open the wooden gate of A Courtyard Seven, revealing a small, immaculately tidy courtyard.

The courtyard was even a bit larger than the A Courtyard at the Post House. It was furnished with a stone table and stools, and an unfamiliar flowering tree with tiny white blossoms stood in one corner.

”The bedding is new, and the room is equipped with a simple Gathering Element Array. While it can’t compare to the Sect’s Cultivation Chambers, it’s sufficient for daily rest and practice.”

Wen Suxin stood in the courtyard and said to Qin Fang with a smile, ”For today, Junior Brother, just settle in and get familiar with your new surroundings.”

”Our Guiyuan Lineage values long-term stability over momentary gains... As a result, we’re considered the most relaxed of the Six Lineages within the Sect. Your pace of cultivation is entirely up to you; there are no set lesson plans or requirements within our lineage. You are free to proceed as you see fit.”

”However, cultivation is ultimately your own journey.”

Wen Suxin’s tone was soft and gentle. ”The Sect grants this peace and freedom as a sign of trust, but it is also a test... You are intelligent, Junior Brother. You should understand that ’leisure’ is not the same as ’negligence.’”

Qin Fang took a deep breath, bowing deeply. ”Yes. I understand.”

Hearing this, Wen Suxin smiled and nodded, saying no more.

”Oh, the dining hall is to the west. You can eat there anytime. The meals are mostly herbal cuisine and Spirit Grain... they have the effect of gently nourishing one’s Qi Blood.”

”Understood. Thank you, Senior Sister.”

Wen Suxin shook her head gently and smiled. ”Fellow disciples should look out for one another... Settle in for now, Junior Brother. If you need anything, you can find me in B Courtyard Three, or near Yangxin Hall... I’m usually helping out around there.”

After thanking her again, Qin Fang watched as Wen Suxin departed with graceful steps.

He watched until Wen Suxin was out of sight before closing the courtyard gate and letting out a long breath.

He turned to look at the quiet, elegant little courtyard...

’From this day forward, I am an Inner Sect Disciple of the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect’s Guiyuan Lineage.’

’And once I’m accepted by a master, I’ll become a True Inheritance disciple!’

He stood silently at the gate for a long while.