Chapter Three: The Sword Exchange Pavilion - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter Three: The Sword Exchange Pavilion “？” A small question mark appeared slowly on Chu Liang's forehead. He couldn't help but say, "Master, among the various peaks, Jade Sword Peak holds the most power with nearly a hundred disciples. Among them are many renowned Golden Core cultivators, which gives them the highest chance of seizing the chief position. As for me... I only just broke through to the Spirit Sense stage a few days ago." The chief disciple represents the face of each generation of Shushan, naturally making the competition fierce. The head of the various peaks, however, is the most prestigious and powerful among the thirty-six peak leaders. In the event that the four great elders of Shushan cannot become the sect leader, the head of the various peaks is the primary candidate for the next sect leader. As for Di Nu Feng... She was infamously known as one of Shushan's scourges, notorious across the martial world for her heavy drinking, combat skills, and fiery temper. She claimed her position as a peak leader through sheer strength, yet the Shushan sect leader has always been reluctant to assign her disciples, fearing she might lead them astray. Eventually, during one of her adventures where she sought justice in the mortal world, she found Chu Liang, recognizing his potential for cultivation and thus taking him as her sole disciple. Having found taking on a disciple wasn't as entertaining as she imagined, she never accepted another one. Now, suddenly wanting her only disciple to compete for chief and even challenging the peak head... even Chu Liang was taken aback. What was she thinking? Di Nu Feng walked over, patting his shoulder, "Don't stress too much, you'll have at least half a year to prepare... If you do manage to earn the chief position, rest assured, I won't neglect you. Whatever you want, just say the word..." Upon hearing this, Chu Liang glanced at Di Nu Feng's chest. “Eek—” Her gaze turned dangerously sharp as she pointed at him, “What are you thinking?” “Master, don't misunderstand,” Chu Liang said. “I was simply noting that you've already wagered a precious treasure like the Phoenix Blood Jade. I will certainly do all I can to prepare. Just... this matter is rather challenging. If I fail, I hope you won’t hold it against me.” “Oh, you’re looking at the jade.” Di Nu Feng touched the jade plaque at her chest and chuckled. She continued, “Just treat it like a task. If you become the chief disciple and I become the peak head, resources will flow abundantly... then we'll split it seventy-thirty, wouldn’t that be wonderful...” Enchanting over future glories, she let out a tremulous laugh. "Keheh heh heh heh..." … Leaving the pavilion, Chu Liang composed himself before setting off for his next destination. The main peak of Shushan, Tongtian Peak. Among the thirty-six peaks of Shushan, Tongtian Peak houses the abode of the sect leader, Boundless Palace. It's akin to the capital, with the sect’s primary halls located there. Chu Liang formed a hand seal, transforming his bracelet into a flying sword that hovered before him. Stepping onto it, the sword dashed away from Silver Sword Peak in an instant. Sword flight! The wind howled at his ears, while below laid an endless sea of clouds, pierced by the peaks, appearing like culinary delights in boiling broth. Streams of light darted between the mountains, all were Shushan disciples rushing back and forth. Those who couldn't fly found travel here impossible. Occasionally, spirit beasts and celestial creatures would swoop by, forcing disciples on sword flight to give way. Those who could afford such grand beasts as mounts were mostly of notable standing, if not peak leaders or elders; it's best to avoid trouble with them. Within the Shushan sect, disciples have to complete tasks for the sect to earn daily life and cultivation resources. The place to claim these tasks is the "Sword Exchange Pavilion." In the cultivation world, gold, silver, and jewels are generally meaningless to most practitioners. Therefore, the currency circulating in the martial world usually consists of spirit stones used for forging and refining, pills for aiding cultivation, versatile talismans, and other general equivalents. Among these, spirit stones are the hardest currency. Thus, within Shushan, spirit stones are minted into coins and used as the sect's currency. Initially, the manufacturing was quite rudimentary, simply grinding spirit stones into circular shapes and halving them, referred to by their shape as "Mantou Coins." However, Mantou Coins were too simple and soon disciples began counterfeiting them with poor quality, causing issues. Consequently, the sect refined the process, carving spirit stones into complex and exquisite butterflies, naming them "Butterfly Coins." Yet, Butterfly Coins were too intricate, making mass production challenging. The sect leader at the time devised a solution: shaping spirit stones into simple little swords, each infused with a unique sword qi, making the process simpler and counterfeit impossible. For several thousand years thereafter, Shushan has utilized these "Sword Coins," giving rise to the name "Sword Exchange Pavilion." … Sword Exchange Pavilion, second floor. The majestic Sword Exchange Pavilion has only three levels yet boasts vastness and a high dome, appearing particularly grand. Most affairs are handled by disciples on duty, but several elder stewards are present daily to manage tougher issues. Chu Liang approached one elder's quiet chamber. "Chen Lao, sorry to disturb you again," he greeted with a smile upon entering. "Ah, young Chu," the room housed an elderly man in wide sleeves, plump in stature, somewhat bald, yet exuding an ethereal aura, coupled with a kind smile, "No trouble at all. You're back so soon, looks like you completed the last task smoothly?" "Thanks to your guidance, it went well. I’m here today to report completion," Chu Liang replied. "Well, no rush. Let's have a game first," Chen Lao gestured, and a chessboard appeared on the table between them, with two pots of distinct black and white stones. "Last time I won by luck, seems you're not satisfied," Chu Liang accepted the invitation and sat down with a grin. "Indeed, I've pondered long and found a way to break your strategy," Chen Lao began to play. "As usual, if you lose, you owe me some insider information," Chu Liang said with a playful innocence. Half an hour later. The sun had risen slightly. The youthful boy smiled, hands tucked in his sleeves, while the elder across pondered deeply over the board, "Chen Lao, it's a deadlock." "Hiss..." Chen Lao scratched his smooth head, doubled-checked the board, and finally drew back his gaze, shaking his head, “You... always smiling so innocently, yet on the chessboard, every move is deadly precise, truly ruthless…” "Oh, just luck. There were times I nearly collapsed," Chu Liang said. "Ah, old age... can't match the vigor of you youngsters," Chen Lao leaned back, patting his belly. “You're here not only to complete a task but to take on a new one, am I right?” "Indeed, but there are so many Tasks for the Spirit Sense level, hundreds to thousands, it's hard to choose," Chu Liang said. "Let me see... you prefer monster hunting tasks, good ones..." Chen Lao pondered for a moment, then lifted his hand. From a row of sign tubes, a slip flew into his palm, "Take a look at this." Chu Liang received the slip, which bore a single line. “Capture a demon at the Ming Manor in Xingzhou City.”