The two flying toward Li Qingqiu were black eagles—one large, one small. The larger one was Xiao Ba, whom he had raised; the smaller one was raised by Li Sijin and named Xiao Jiu, named this way naturally in imitation of Xiao Ba.
Originally, Li Qingqiu had wanted to use chickens or pigs to test the Thousand Spirit Fruit. But coincidentally, Xiao Jiu had fallen ill with a strange disease and could only be barely kept alive with the Resurrection Ghost Immortal Needle. Li Sijin was heartbroken, so Li Qingqiu, thinking there was nothing to lose, brought Xiao Jiu here.
As it turned out, after consuming the Thousand Spirit Fruit, Xiao Jiu not only recovered but became lively and vigorous. Based on Li Qingqiu's observations, its qi and blood had significantly increased, and its bones and muscles were gradually strengthening.
The Thousand Spirit Fruit could be considered a holy medicine for healing, and it also strengthened the physique. As for how many fruits one could consume before reaching a limit, that was temporarily unknown.
After consuming the Thousand Spirit Fruit, Xiao Jiu had also successfully embarked on Xiao Ba's path, becoming better able to absorb Li Sijin's spiritual energy.
Previously, Li Qingqiu had his junior brothers and sisters imitate him by infusing spiritual energy into wild animals, but none had managed to cultivate their own spiritual energy like Xiao Ba.
This also showed that Xiao Ba's natural talent was extraordinary.
The two black eagles landed before Li Qingqiu. Xiao Ba stood with wings folded, already nearly as tall as him. Though Xiao Jiu was much smaller, its head also reached his waist.
Xiao Ba affectionately rubbed against Li Qingqiu's head, while Xiao Jiu flapped its wings, very lively.
The two little ones had already developed preliminary intelligence. Especially Xiao Ba—Li Qingqiu felt it already had the intellect of a several-year-old child.
"What have you two been sneaking to eat now?"
Noticing flesh and blood clinging to Xiao Ba's beak, Li Qingqiu couldn't help asking.
Xiao Ba spread its wings, a full three zhang wide, and emitted chirping sounds. Though it didn't speak human language, Li Qingqiu could understand.
This understanding was something even Li Qingqiu couldn't explain. It might be due to Xiao Ba having his spiritual energy within it.
"A snake? How big a snake?"
"Chirp—coo coo—"
"That big? Then you need to drive them away. Don't let them near this area."
"Chirp chirp—"
Hearing its assurance, Li Qingqiu smiled with satisfaction and reached out to stroke its head.
Then, the two black eagles leaped into the air, stirring up a gust of wind that rustled Li Qingqiu's robes. He watched until the two eagles disappeared into the thick fog.
Now Li Qingqiu had stationed the two eagles here, responsible for driving away the beasts in the fog and guarding the Thousand Spirit Blessed Land.
Of course, he checked the Thousand Spirit Tree each time to ensure the eagles weren't sneaking any fruit. Fortunately, when he wasn't here, the two eagles didn't dare approach the tree—because the Thousand Spirit Tree's vines were aggressive.
Strangely enough, the Thousand Spirit Tree only close to Li Qingqiu. It had never touched anyone else with its vines. Perhaps it was because Li Qingqiu was the first person it had ever seen.
There were quite a few human skeletons in the fog outside, but not one person had made it here. This fog seemed like a trial set by the Thousand Spirit Tree, and Li Qingqiu was the first to pass.
...
White snow covered thousands of miles of mountains and rivers. The Taikun Mountain Range's harsh winter remained as cold as ever.
Zhu Yan, wearing a light veil, sat on a cliff, her ancient qin placed before her. Draped in a large robe made of wild animal fur, snowflakes drifted around her as the qin's melody floated through the air—a scene of unique artistic conception.
Su Xiling, dressed in green, stood not far away, looking down at the cliff below. She wasn't dressed warmly, her attire not much different from summer or autumn.
After finishing a piece, Zhu Yan withdrew her hands and asked, "Xiling, what are you looking at so intently?"
Without turning her head, Su Xiling replied, "Watching the Azure Firmament Sect disciples practice their sword formation. Those disciples are called the Thirteen Sword Ferocities. What an awkward name—Sword Ferocities? Come to think of it, the sword formation they're practicing is quite impressive."
"The Thirteen Sword Ferocities—are they Jiang Zhaoxia's disciples?" Zhu Yan asked.
"That's right. Jiang Zhaoxia is down there too, but he's been meditating on a rock for half an hour now. I haven't seen him practice swordsmanship at all."
Su Xiling answered, her tone growing puzzled toward the end.
Zhu Yan, however, wasn't surprised. She said softly, "Geniuses like him aren't something ordinary people can understand. Just like that Xu Ning—have you ever seen her practice martial arts?"
"True. Oh? What impressive sword energy!"
Just as Su Xiling responded, she suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
Following her gaze, the one who had unleashed the sword energy was none other than Xue Jin, leader of the Thirteen Sword Ferocities.
Xue Jin's sword energy left a five-zhang-long mark in the snow. After delivering this strike, he knelt on one knee, somewhat exhausted.
The other twelve disciples immediately gathered around him, all very excited.
"So powerful! Senior Brother Xue, you succeeded!"
"This Heavenly Net Sword Formation is truly exquisite. We are the feint, and you are the real strike. With sword energy like this, who could withstand it?"
"Senior Brother, you're amazing! We all started practicing on the same day. Forget sword energy like that—I'd burn incense just to produce a wisp of sword energy!"
"Exactly. Without Senior Brother, the sword formation we perform would be completely laughable."
Listening to the disciples' chatter, Xue Jin looked up and smiled wryly, but inwardly he was very pleased.
The Chaos Genesis Scripture is truly powerful!
At this moment, he felt immense gratitude toward Li Qingqiu. Without the Chaos Genesis Scripture, his martial arts wouldn't be much stronger than his junior brothers' and sisters'.
He rose with difficulty and said, "There's still time. Strive to have everyone able to produce sword energy before the New Year."
Jiang Zhaoxia had already told them they would go down the mountain for training after the New Year. Everyone might face dangerous situations, so they were both excited and felt a strong sense of urgency.
In the distance.
Jiang Zhaoxia glanced at Xue Jin, secretly satisfied. He had to admire Li Qingqiu once again.
The twelve disciples he had chosen hadn't satisfied him. Instead, it was the disciple Li Qingqiu had insisted on recommending that brought him surprised.
He now regarded Xue Jin as a true successor. He knew that the future achievements of the Thirteen Sword Ferocities would depend on Xue Jin's martial arts level.
He closed his eyes again, continuing to contemplate swordsmanship.
Over the past two months, his sparring with Li Qingqiu had given him many ideas. The Heavenly Net Sword Formation was something he had created, but he felt it wasn't enough. He wanted to create more sword techniques for Azure Firmament Sect, gradually establishing it as a Sword Sect.
Elsewhere.
Within Lingxiao Courtyard above the mountain gate, Li Qingqiu was listening to Zhang Yuchun recount events from down the mountain.
As Azure Firmament Sect's courtyards increased in number, the original three courtyards had been designated by Li Qingqiu as Lingxiao Courtyard, where ordinary disciples were not permitted to enter without permission—a rule Yang Jueding and Zhang Yu had insisted upon.
Some time ago, Zhang Yuchun, having broken through to the second layer of the Nourishing Origin stage, had led another group down the mountain. However, this time he hadn't taken the Seven Sons of Azure Firmament, but rather older disciples. On this trip, they had recruited another eight disciples.
"The rebellion in Guzhou has been suppressed. I saw the imperial army in the county—they're posting notices everywhere, vowing to uproot the rebels completely. They've also issued some disaster relief regulations. Senior Brother, it seems the realm is about to have peace."
Zhang Yuchun was quite excited. Outside the Taikun Mountain Range, one easily encountered war and chaos. Under such circumstances, most of the disciples he recruited were orphans, limiting their numbers.
With peace in the realm, there would be no need to worry about war. He could lead disciples everywhere to promote Azure Firmament Sect. He was confident he could double their numbers.
As Li Qingqiu listened, he used the Flying Fish Dagger to whittle wood.
"Senior Brother, our livestock, farmland, horse ranch, fish ponds, hunting, and so on have all gotten on track. But we still need more hands. The rebels have just been suppressed, but there are still plenty of bandits and mountain thieves everywhere. I want to have Li Sifeng lead some men down the mountain to eliminate them and spread Azure Firmament Sect's reputation. That way, we can attract more people to join." Zhang Yuchun said earnestly.
Li Sifeng was already fifteen, soon to turn sixteen. He had reached the third layer of the Nourishing Origin stage. Back in the day, Jiang Zhaoxia had already begun killing enemies at this age.
Li Qingqiu said, "Have Cheng Canghai accompany him. Though Sifeng has been out several times and experienced quite a bit, he hasn't completely grown up yet."
"Cheng Canghai? Alright. He's performed quite well since joining the sect. Then I'll have Man'er go along too." Zhang Yuchun mused.
Wu Man'er was also at the third layer of the Nourishing Origin stage, but in terms of actual strength, Li Sifeng was no match for him.
Li Qingqiu said, "You make the arrangements. Let them operate around the Taikun Mountain Range first and return before the New Year."
"No problem!"
Having obtained Li Qingqiu's approval, Zhang Yuchun immediately rose to make arrangements.
"Wait. Have them take Bai Ning'er along." Li Qingqiu suddenly said.
Zhang Yuchun was surprised and turned his head. "You mean that disciple who's been spending time with Miss Su?"
He didn't have a deep impression of Bai Ning'er, but he paid considerable attention to Zhu Yan and Su Xiling.
"Yes, him."
Hearing Li Qingqiu's confirmation, though Zhang Yuchun was puzzled, he nodded in agreement and quickly left.
In truth, Li Sifeng had actively requested to go down the mountain. So when Zhang Yuchun informed him that Senior Brother had agreed, he was overjoyed.
That same day, the two began selecting disciples, then packed their things and hurried down the mountain.
Li Sifeng, Wu Man'er, and Cheng Canghai led nine disciples down the mountain to eliminate bandits. This event was discussed privately among the Azure Firmament Sect disciples, who were very excited. Everyone looked forward to the day when the sect would give them similar missions.
Practicing chivalry and righteousness was something the vast majority of martial artists aspire to. It allowed them to display their strength while accumulating a good reputation.
...
A month passed quickly. Within Lingxiao Courtyard, Li Qingqiu was feeding Yuan Li a Thousand Spirit Fruit, while Li Dongyue stood on the eaves, gazing into the distance.
Heavy snow fell,天地 vast and indistinct. Snowflakes melted the moment they approached her.
Seeing Yuan Li actively hold up the Thousand Spirit Fruit, Li Qingqiu smiled, then looked at Li Dongyue. "Junior Sister, come down. They'll be fine."
Li Dongyue turned to look at him, frowning. "Tomorrow is New Year's Day. There's less than an hour until nightfall. If they haven't returned, should we go down the mountain to look for them?"
Just as Li Qingqiu was about to answer, he suddenly sensed something. He turned his gaze toward the distance and spoke, "They're back."
Hearing this, Li Dongyue was pleasantly surprised. She didn't doubt Li Qingqiu's words. Leaping over the courtyard wall, she rushed toward the mountain gate.
Li Qingqiu didn't rise. He turned his head to watch Yuan Li eat the Thousand Spirit Fruit.
Yuan Li sat on a small stool, holding the fruit with both hands, very well-behaved.
After a while, a commotion reached them. Li Sifeng was the first to run into the courtyard. His robes were slightly torn, but he was in high spirits.
He came to Li Qingqiu's side, grabbed his arm, and said smugly, "Senior Brother, come see what we brought back! You won't believe it!"