Chapter 8: Challenged

“Alright, then bring some delicious food.” Looking at his granddaughter’s greedy expression, Qi Shuoyuan felt that, at this moment, he wouldn’t hesitate to place all the delicacies of the world before her.

Now that she had drawn spiritual energy into her body, eating spiritual foods was no longer a concern, as long as he chose those with minimal impurities—there would be no problem.

Watching Qi Shuoyuan leave, Wen Ying stood outside this time, observing her as she practiced swordsmanship.

Once Jiu Xuan became proficient, Wen Ying ceased supervising her and simply let her complete the required number of repetitions on her own. But today, having just drawn spiritual energy, Wen Ying had seen the little girl struggle with her boxing practice indoors.

“Rest and recover your strength before you begin.”

Jiu Xuan obediently sat down, crossing her legs in the lotus position, palms upward. Spiritual energy coursed through her body, nourishing the muscles and bones just crushed by the pressure. Gradually, Jiu Xuan noticed subtle changes—they seemed to be strengthening.

It was a delightful discovery.

Before she exited her cultivation state, Jiu Xuan asked the system, “System, what will the punishment be if I exceed the limit again this time?”

She needed to clarify this first, lest she inadvertently violate it again.

Just thinking of the scene moments ago, the lingering pain made her hair stand on end.

“It depends on the situation. If the host stops in time within the allotted period, there will be no punishment.”

Jiu Xuan wanted to complain—the answer was as vague as saying nothing. The system added, “Reminder: If you exceed the time, the punishment will increase each time.”

She took a deep breath, finally understanding the system’s nature—it was truly infuriating.

Exiting her cultivation, Jiu Xuan opened her eyes, grasped her Child’s Sword, and mentally reviewed the sword technique once more.

When she practiced to proficiency, ten repetitions would take an hour. With the aid of spiritual energy, things would surely be different.

She adopted the opening stance and began practicing.

To complete ten repetitions within an hour, Jiu Xuan made the transitions between movements smoother, saving a great deal of time.

She worked hard to overcome the initial discomfort. After finishing one round, she went straight into the second. Gradually, her practice became smoother, and eventually, she lost track of time and stopped counting her repetitions.

Her focus was wholly absorbed in the sword technique, her entire being entering a mysterious, profound state.

Wen Ying noticed something unusual about Jiu Xuan today—the speed of her sword practice was astonishing, and she worried the little girl’s body might not withstand it.

Originally intending to intervene, Wen Ying realized Jiu Xuan was enveloped in white light, even her fiery red Child’s Sword was shrouded in it.

Wen Ying was stunned, standing motionless.

Fiery red spiritual energy gathered, and the Child’s Sword sang joyously.

Qi Shuoyuan, who had returned, stood not far away, his gaze full of pride.

She truly was his remarkable little granddaughter.

She seemed to remain in this state for a while longer, but then, unexpectedly, she halted abruptly, as if awakened by someone’s call.

“Warning: Host has exceeded the allotted time. Please stop immediately.”

Upon hearing the system’s warning, Jiu Xuan instinctively stopped, still a bit dazed.

She looked in confusion at Wen Ying opposite her. “Aunt Ying, what happened to me?”

Both Wen Ying and Qi Shuoyuan were surprised by the abrupt end to her enlightenment. After checking around and examining Jiu Xuan, they found nothing unusual. Ultimately, they attributed it to her just having drawn spiritual energy—it was possible to stop suddenly.

Wen Ying walked over and praised her with a smile, “Ah Jiu, you’re amazing! You entered enlightenment as soon as you started cultivating.”

Enlightenment?

Jiu Xuan hadn’t fully recovered, and she instinctively turned to Qi Shuoyuan, “Grandfather, did I enter enlightenment?”

“Yes, you did,” Qi Shuoyuan sighed. Truly, a natural sword talent—she had just drawn spiritual energy and already entered such a state in swordsmanship. She was indeed his granddaughter.

Thinking this, Qi Shuoyuan couldn’t help but want to boast to his friends.

He walked over, ruffled Jiu Xuan’s hair, “Ah Jiu, you must be tired today. How about a rest?”

“Alright.” Jiu Xuan had now realized what had happened.

She’d been interrupted by the system during enlightenment!

So her enlightenment had failed!

“System, don’t you know that interrupting someone’s enlightenment is as heinous as murder and arson? You’ll be struck by heaven’s wrath for this!” She was furious.

“Time is up. Please pay attention next time.”

This time, Jiu Xuan caught the tone—the system clearly blamed her for not following the rules. If she did, she wouldn’t have to worry about enlightenment being interrupted.

Annoying as it was, Jiu Xuan knew she’d gained much from the system. The time limit was her own doing.

She had only entered that state by completing her task, and everything in the world has cause and effect. The system hadn’t yet threatened her, so she would let things be for now.

“Grandfather will visit you again another day.” Qi Shuoyuan departed with a spring in his step, so cheerful he seemed ready to fly.

Leaving the courtyard, his figure vanished from sight.

He had to go brag to his old friends.

Jiu Xuan didn’t dwell on it. After speaking to Wen Ying, she returned to her room.

“System, reading books doesn’t count as exceeding my study time, right?”

She wanted to clarify so she could plan ahead, not be caught off guard.

“Reading doesn’t count.”

Jiu Xuan’s eyes brightened, relieved.

“What about attending lectures at the Academy?”

In the Xuantian Sect, after drawing spiritual energy, disciples had to study at the Academy for a period. She had learned that daily lessons took more than an hour. If that counted, her time would be even tighter.

“It counts.”

Though she had expected this, Jiu Xuan still gritted her teeth—damned system.

Lying in bed, Jiu Xuan found she was absorbing spiritual energy faster than before, without any fatigue, feeling completely refreshed.

She had intended to read the two jade slips Wen Ying had given her that morning, but soon drifted off to sleep.

Outside, Wen Ying was astonished as she watched Jiu Xuan’s progress—just today she had already reached the second level of Qi Refining! Her speed was extraordinary.

Wen Ying’s mind raced, planning how to adjust the little girl’s study regimen.

Jiu Xuan was awakened by a childish yet domineering voice.

“I’m here to find Jiuxuan. Where is she? I challenge her!”

Puzzled, she looked toward the door, but it was shut and she couldn’t see anything. Still groggy, she forgot she could use her spiritual sense to check.

She cast a cleansing spell on herself, dressed, and walked outside.

Opening the door, she was met by a cute, chubby child in fine clothes, holding a golden Child’s Sword similar to hers.

Though chubby, the little one was exceptionally agile.

Seeing Jiu Xuan, he immediately darted in front of her. “You’re Jiuxuan?”

Jiu Xuan stood calmly, not recognizing the child.

Seeing him grow impatient, she nodded slightly, “Yes, I am.”

“I’m Qin Yuzhou. Your grandfather claims you’re the most skilled child in the world, so I challenge you.” As he spoke, Qin Yuzhou held his sword to his chest, his voice teasing.

He seemed to be trying hard to look fierce, but to Jiu Xuan, Yuzhou’s expression was even cuter—adorably fierce.

“I don’t even know you. How do I know you’re telling the truth and not just causing trouble?”

Her grandfather’s harmless demeanor was hard to reconcile with that of a boastful elder. Seeing Wen Ying’s indifference, Jiu Xuan suspected this was entirely plausible.