Chapter 28: Descending the Mountain

A massive torrent of water cascaded from a great height, crashing against Bai Jingyan with a deafening roar. The impact of the spiritual waterfall was immense, feeling like countless fine needles piercing his skin and bringing waves of intense pain. Bai Jingyan gritted his teeth, standing firmly in the center of the waterfall, allowing the spiritual energy to scour his body.

He took a deep breath, his pores opening wide as the spiritual energy surged into his body like a tide, frantically nourishing his internal organs. Every meridian and spiritual aperture grew tougher under the relentless force of the energy, and the chaotic aura within him gradually solidified.

However, the impact of the spiritual waterfall was simply too violent. After persisting for only a dozen minutes, Bai Jingyan felt his internal spiritual energy reach its limit. His body began to tremble, and fine cracks even appeared on his skin, with blood trickling down along with the rushing water.

"I cannot go on any longer..." Bai Jingyan thought to himself, barely supporting his body as he retreated from the waterfall.

In the days that followed, Bai Jingyan practiced under this waterfall almost every day. On the first day, he could only endure ten minutes. By the second day, he could manage fifteen. By the third day, Bai Jingyan was able to train under the waterfall for half an hour. Though it was only half an hour, he could clearly feel that an hour spent here was equivalent to a full day of cultivation in the outside world.

His cultivation level also steadily solidified and improved over these few days.

A few days later, Bai Jingyan sat under the waterfall like a meditating high monk, motionless, his entire being exuding an indescribable aura. Perhaps due to the training, he had developed thick, solid muscles, making him appear even more upright and imposing.

Emerging from the waterfall, Bai Jingyan dressed and returned to the courtyard. Seeing that Yue'er remained unconscious, he felt a pang of bitter helplessness mixed with concern.

"The little girl is still unconscious; how am I supposed to get back?"

Bai Jingyan shook his head. Just then, as if sensing his thoughts, Ji Dingming’s spirit drifted out from the Jinghong Sword and said, "Do not panic. There is a flying sword at the back of the courtyard. Since you are a sword cultivator, you might as well try it."

Bai Jingyan nodded, walked to the rear of the courtyard, and found a flying sword three fingers wide and a foot long in a small storage room.

He pricked his index finger and dripped a drop of blood onto the blade. The sword immediately burst into a glow. Bai Jingyan channeled his spiritual energy, stepped onto the sword, and transformed into a streak of light, flying toward the Xingyu Sect.

However, the consumption of the flying sword was immense. After piloting it for less than a quarter of an hour, Bai Jingyan felt as though his spiritual energy had been completely drained. The moment he landed, he collapsed to his knees, gasping for air.

Dragging his exhausted body back to the Xingyu Sect, he had barely stepped into his quarters when he saw a letter condensed from spiritual energy resting on the table. The letter emitted a faint glow; it was Bai Huaiwu’s "Flying Paper Message."

He picked it up, and the words formed by spiritual energy appeared before him:

"Jingyan, come to the Wuhou Kingdom palace immediately. There is an urgent matter to discuss. — Bai Huaiwu"

Bai Jingyan frowned, a sense of unease stirring in his heart. Bai Huaiwu rarely used the "Flying Paper Message" lightly; there must be something of grave importance.

Since he had to leave the mountain, he inevitably needed to "ask for leave." At this moment, he thought of an acquaintance.

Bai Jingyan stood outside Wu Yaoqing’s door and took a deep breath before knocking gently. A moment later, Wu Yaoqing’s low voice came from within: "Enter."

Bai Jingyan pushed the door open to see Wu Yaoqing sitting at his desk, holding an ancient scroll, his brow furrowed as if deep in thought.

"Elder Wu, I have a matter I would like your help with," Bai Jingyan said respectfully.

Wu Yaoqing looked up, his gaze filled with suspicion. "What is it?"

Bai Jingyan hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "There is an urgent matter at home, and I need to descend the mountain. I ask for your approval, Elder Wu."

Wu Yaoqing’s frown deepened, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure. "Bai Jingyan, are you aware that the sect tournament is in three months? This competition is of great significance. If you leave now, won't it hinder your cultivation?"

Bai Jingyan explained, "Elder Wu, I understand the importance of the tournament. But the matter at home is truly urgent; I have no choice but to go. I promise to return before the tournament and will not neglect my training."

Wu Yaoqing fell silent for a moment before saying slowly, "Bai Jingyan, do you know that the sect tournament is not just a contest between disciples, but a crucial opportunity for us to identify which sects are involved in the rebellion against the Xingyu Sect?"

A flash of surprise crossed Bai Jingyan’s eyes. "Elder Wu, you mean..."

Wu Yaoqing nodded, his tone profound. "The Xingyu Sect is only a third-rate sect, and there must be other sects colluding in the shadows. This tournament may be our best chance to smoke out these traitors and conspirators. If you leave now, you might miss critical leads."

Seeing this, Bai Jingyan had no choice but to speak the truth. Bai Huaiwu would not have summoned him at such a time unless it was of vital importance.

Bai Jingyan took a deep breath and handed over the "Flying Paper Message." "This is an urgent letter from my elders at home. There is a serious matter requiring my presence. I beg for your approval, Elder Wu."

Wu Yaoqing took the letter, his eyes scanning the spiritual text, his expression gradually turning grave.

Bai Jingyan insisted, "Elder Wu, I understand your concerns. But the matter is urgent. I promise that I will return before the tournament and will not delay the sect's major affairs."

Wu Yaoqing looked at Bai Jingyan, his eyes filled with complex emotions. After a while, he sighed and said slowly, "Very well. Since you are so insistent, I grant you leave. But you must return before the tournament, otherwise..."

Bai Jingyan nodded quickly. "Rest assured, Elder Wu, I will definitely return on time."

Wu Yaoqing stood up, walked over to Bai Jingyan, and patted his shoulder. "Bai Jingyan, you are gifted and have a limitless future. But the sect tournament is your chance to shine and an opportunity to earn merit for the Xingyu Sect. I hope you understand the gravity of this."

Bai Jingyan nodded solemnly. "Elder Wu, I understand. I will resolve my family affairs as quickly as possible and return to the sect on time."

Wu Yaoqing nodded, his tone softening with a hint of satisfaction. "Good. Go now, and be careful on the road."