Chapter 70: Choosing a Cave Residence

“Qingran, this is where we live in the Sword Pavilion!”

Riding on a flying sword, Senior Sister Yue Qianchi pointed toward a towering ten-thousand-meter peak in the distance.

Li Qingran looked closely and saw numerous man-made caves carved into the mountainside, along with small stone huts.

Around these dwellings, some cultivators had their own spiritual fields, and the various plants and decorations displayed their personal tastes.

For example—

One cultivator had planted chrysanthemums in front of their cave.

Another had massive cacti covering the entrance.

Though she hadn’t met their owners, Li Qingran could already tell—these two must have completely opposite personalities.

She explained, “Unlike other sects, our Sword Pavilion doesn’t have many natural blessed lands.

So, to increase Spiritual Qi concentration, Sect Master redirected the Qi from all the other peaks into this one.

This means that, although we all live here together and it’s a bit cramped, the cultivation conditions are much better.

And besides, it’s livelier this way!”

Hearing this, Li Qingran nodded, admiration flickering in her eyes.

The Sect Master must be a pragmatic person.

He was willing to sacrifice the sect’s reputation to prioritize the well-being of its disciples.

Back when she was in Qingyun Sect, she had wondered—why didn’t the Sect Master just consolidate the Spiritual Qi into one area instead of letting the disciples compete with each other?

She had once brought up the idea to Daoist Qingxuan.

He had scolded her as a fool.

"Cultivation is a struggle against the heavens, the earth, and humanity itself!" he had said.

"If everyone eats from the same pot, how do you differentiate talent and hard work?"

But Li Qingran had always believed that a sect should be like a family—united, helping one another, not constantly fighting.

Maybe she was just too naive.

“Junior Sister, you seem deep in thought. Something on your mind?”

“No.”

Li Qingran met Yue Qianchi’s clear eyes, her face turning slightly red as she lowered her head.

“Senior Sister, I think this place is great. Which cave residences are still available?”

Yue Qianchi gestured toward the upper half of the mountain.

“Up there—most of them are empty.

Some were dug out by disciples themselves.

Some are just craters left behind when Master fought the sect’s guardian beast.

If you don’t like any of them, you can dig your own.”

“Why do most people choose to live lower on the mountain?” Li Qingran asked curiously.

“Convenience.”

Yue Qianchi shrugged.

“Flying swords are tiring.

Our Sword Pavilion’s philosophy is:

If you can stand, don’t fly.

If you can sit, don’t stand.

If you can lie down, don’t sit.

If you can sleep, don’t wake up.

If you can… uh, never mind the last part.”

Li Qingran: “……”

So this is the lifestyle of Sword Pavilion cultivators?

They’re so… lazy.

As they neared the mountain, she saw several sword cultivators lying around in random places.

One was lounging on the back of a turtle by a waterfall, basking in the sun.

At first glance, it looked lazy—but upon closer inspection, there was a strange meditative aura to it.

“That’s Duan Feng, a cultivator of the Ruthless Dao. He’s in deep comprehension.”

Yue Qianchi rolled her eyes.

“He’s usually as stiff as a coffin board. Super boring.”

She then took Li Qingran on a full tour around the mountain.

“Well, Junior Sister, have you decided where you want to stay?”

Li Qingran blinked.

A vision flashed in her mind—

A cliffside residence, where she could watch the sunrise, listen to the chirping birds, and gaze at the vast skies.

“Senior Sister, I want to live at the mountaintop.”

“…Alright.”

Yue Qianchi wasn’t surprised.

Most new disciples chose the mountaintop.

The scenery was breathtaking, and the view was unmatched.

At first, they didn’t mind flying everywhere.

But after a while…

They’d realize how exhausting it was to fly every single morning just to make it to early lessons.

Waking up extra early.

Flying long distances while others leisurely walked over.

Drenched in sweat before class even started.

Then came summer.

The scorching heat baked them alive.

A full day of sun exposure on the mountaintop was unbearable.

Then came winter.

Blizzards.

Freezing winds.

Down below, flowers bloomed. Up above, they froze their butts off.

Within six months, most disciples gave up and tried to challenge senior disciples for better-located caves.

The lower on the mountain, the stronger the disciple.

Still, Yue Qianchi took her to the peak.

There was an abandoned stone house covered in dust—it had clearly been vacant for a long time.

“Alright, Junior Sister, this is your stop.

If you need anything, use a Communication Talisman to contact me.

Or just visit me at Cave One at the mountain base.”

Just then, a faint aroma of wine drifted through the air.

Yue Qianchi, previously calm and composed, suddenly lit up.

Her eyes sparkled as she hurriedly set Li Qingran down.

Licking her lips, she grinned mischievously—

“Senior Sister has to go drink. Kekekekeke~ See you!”

And she was gone.

Her flying sword roared down the mountain at full speed.

Her voice echoed through the peaks—

“Junior Sister, don’t be late for morning lessons!”

Then, another voice responded—

“Xu An! I’m counting to three! Hand over your new brew, or I’ll destroy your cave!”

“Tch! Over my dead body, tomboy!”

BOOM!

Two sword intents clashed in the distance.

The mountain shook from their battle.

A few cranes napping on the cliffs barely flinched.

Clearly, this was a daily occurrence.

Li Qingran stood by the cliffside for a moment, then turned and entered the stone house.

“A new beginning.”

She clenched her fists in determination.

Tomorrow, after morning lessons—she’d visit the Scripture Pavilion.

She had to cure her Master.

She had to ensure his eternal life.

With that thought, she grabbed a broom and began cleaning the dusty room.

Suddenly—

A familiar voice echoed in the void.

【Qingran, we have been apart for a day. Did you miss your Master?】

…

…

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