Chapter 33: The Warrior Senior Sister

“Yes, it can be adjusted flexibly according to the situation.”

Hearing the system say this, Jiuxuan felt at ease, secretly plotting to change the schedule when the time came.

Although she was certain, she still needed to reassure her grandfather. “Grandfather, whether it’s morning or afternoon makes no difference. Actually, it’s best to cultivate with Master. Master has specially set up formations at the training grounds, which greatly benefit my practice.”

At this moment, Qi Shuoyuan remembered that the little girl’s master was Elder Zhou, who had entered the Dao through books and would certainly speak up if there were any issues.

From what Little Nine had said, she had always been this way since the beginning. Since Elder Zhou hadn’t raised any objections, there must not be any problem.

With this in mind, Qi Shuoyuan had no further argument. “Alright, whatever you think is best, we’ll do it that way. You don’t need to worry about the rumors outside—Grandfather will handle them.”

Jiuxuan grew curious. “Grandfather, how do you plan to deal with them?”

After all, people’s mouths are their own, and the rumors had grown so rampant. Unless one used overwhelming force, it would be impossible to stop people from talking.

“What about a silencing spell?”

Qi Shuoyuan’s casual remark left her rather shocked. She remembered reading about silencing spells in her master’s books.

“Is it the silencing spell I’m thinking of?” Once activated, the silencing formation was like a curse; anyone who mentioned the restricted words within the formation would be punished.

But this spell required not only high cultivation, but also had many other demands, and even carried some backlash.

Unless the caster was stronger than everyone inside the formation.

When she first read about this spell, she couldn’t help but wonder: how bored must someone be to invent such a spell? After all, there seemed to be few situations where a mass silencing would be necessary.

“Which silencing spell are you thinking of?” Qi Shuoyuan asked with interest.

Before Jiuxuan could answer, he laughed, “Yes, it’s that one. But this is an improved version—there’s no backlash at all.”

Qi Shuoyuan was not only skilled in swordsmanship, but also in formations. Even though he said there would be no harm, Jiuxuan still didn’t want him to go through with it.

She could be decisive and indifferent toward outsiders, but when it came to family, she always worried a bit more.

“Grandfather, let’s not bother, just let them be. My life is free and easy. Besides, those who talk about me must be jealous, so I don’t care at all. Let them envy me to death!” These, she’d return in kind one day!

Her grandfather couldn’t help but laugh at his granddaughter’s proud little posture.

“Alright, let them envy you to death.”

Looking at Qi Shuoyuan, Jiuxuan spoke earnestly, “Grandfather, may I go out to train?”

Now, she had reached the third level of Qi refining, showing signs of further advancement. Most disciples of the sect at this stage were allowed to venture to the nearby Ancient Fallen Forest for training. She would not be breaking any rules.

“Yes, you need some experience,” Qi Shuoyuan said seriously, after considering for a moment. “Your uncles are away these two days. I'll have your senior sister take you.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

Jiuxuan had assumed that the senior sister her grandfather mentioned was Yao Chaoxi. But the next day, after preparing all her supplies for the journey, she met in the main hall a tall, imposing woman—only her grandfather was there, no one else.

“Grandfather, I’m ready. Can we set off?” She had never met Senior Sister Yao. Her master was such a gentle person, and she’d heard that Senior Sister inherited his teachings, entering the Dao through books as well. Surely Senior Sister would be a scholarly beauty.

“This is Meng Jiao, your junior uncle’s disciple. She’ll take you to the Ancient Fallen Forest for training.”

Jiuxuan stood there, bewildered.

Nie Xingyuan’s disciple?

This senior sister was tall and sturdy, like a female warrior—she could not possibly be connected to Nie Xingyuan, that handsome, refined man.

“Haha! You’re so adorable, junior sister.” Meng Jiao’s voice was pleasant, and her personality evidently forthright.

Yet between her robust appearance and sweet voice, something felt oddly out of place to Jiuxuan.

“Hello, senior sister.” She was a little startled, but still maintained her politeness. Besides, Meng Jiao’s personality was likable.

“Cheeky thing, don’t overthink! Your senior sister is currently cultivating a body refining technique. She’s at the condensation stage, so her body will change. Once she achieves mastery, she’ll revert to her original form.”

Qi Shuoyuan, seeing the subtle expression on Jiuxuan’s face, guessed what she was thinking and explained with a smile.

His words caught Jiuxuan’s attention. Meng Jiao added, “Yes, once I return to my true form, junior sister, don’t be captivated by me!”

To hear a broad-shouldered, muscular woman say not to be captivated was quite amusing. Jiuxuan found Meng Jiao refreshingly cheerful.

Looking closely at Meng Jiao’s face, her features were actually quite pleasant.

As the saying goes, gaining weight ruins everything. The transformation after bulking up was indeed dramatic.

If Meng Jiao’s original appearance was as stunning as she claimed—enough to attract anyone—then the contrast between her former beauty and her current form must be immense.

Suddenly, Jiuxuan felt a bit of admiration for her. “Then, when you return to your original form, senior sister, you must share it with me right away!”

Meng Jiao laughed heartily, “No problem!”

“You’re only allowed two days away. After two days, you must return. Your second uncle will be back then, and after some rest, you’ll head to the Beast Master Sect. The timing is just right.” Qi Shuoyuan gave special instructions, worried she might lose track of time.

“Little Nine remembers—I'll definitely return in two days.” This time, she just wanted to test her strength. Besides, the Ancient Fallen Forest was not far; with sword flight, it would take about half a day.

“Go on, the sooner you go, the sooner you return.”

After bidding farewell to her grandfather, Jiuxuan followed Meng Jiao out of the main hall. A giant sword suddenly flashed before them; Meng Jiao grabbed her and leapt onto the blade.

“Senior sister, is this your life-bound sword?”

Indeed, the broad sword felt much safer than a regular long sword—standing on it, there was no anxiety about falling.

“Yes, isn’t it impressive?” Mentioning her life-bound sword, Meng Jiao’s face brimmed with eagerness to share.

Thinking back to the idea that Meng Jiao was actually a beauty, Jiuxuan couldn’t help but imagine a delicate beauty wielding a massive sword.

Such a contrast was intriguing. She couldn’t help but look forward to witnessing it herself. “Yes, it’s very impressive.”

“Right? I thought it was very imposing, and it felt like fate when I chose it.” Meng Jiao grew even more excited. “Once you reach Foundation Establishment, you can enter the Sword Pavilion and choose your own life-bound sword. I’m curious what yours will be like!”

Choosing a life-bound sword—she was looking forward to it as well.

Meng Jiao’s strength surpassed Jiuxuan’s expectations; she had thought the journey would take half a day, but within two hours, the Ancient Fallen Forest was already in sight.

The dense forest echoed with distant beast roars, birds soared up, flying toward the high-hanging sun.

Taking a deep breath, Jiuxuan felt a surge of anticipation for the upcoming training.

Speaking of which, there must be plenty of delicious things in the Ancient Fallen Forest, right? She’d brought several storage bags just for ingredients—surely, she'd be able to fill them.