Chapter 25

The words Wu Luchen just spoke seemed to trigger something, like flipping a switch. Not long after he finished speaking, the other food cultivators quickly followed suit and began to speak.

There were eight of them in total, including Ning Xu, Siyan, Qin Riluo, and Wu Luchen. The rest were four other food cultivators.

Ning Xu was already quite familiar with these six food cultivators, as she often enjoyed the dishes they made. Their friendship had deepened with every meal they shared. If she had to pick the one she knew best, it would definitely be Innocent Cultivator.

As for Qin Riluo, Ning Xu wasn’t very familiar with him.

The only interaction they had was when she had Innocent Cultivator pass him a note.

After receiving the note, Ning Xu had no idea what Qin Riluo thought of it.

But they were both innocent victims of a canceled marriage, both exiled to the same fate, so she believed he could understand her intentions. It was nice that, in the end, he listened to her advice and became Elder Liu’s disciple.

This time, Qin Riluo actively joined their team.

The food cultivators didn’t show any resistance. Their group of eight was quite harmonious.

On the way, several of the food cultivators were chatting excitedly, likely because Wu Luchen had mentioned the swords in the Sword Tomb, so their conversation mostly revolved around swords.

One food cultivator said, “I’m a Four Spiritual Root. My request isn’t high; as long as I can get a sword, that’s fine.”

The Melon-Eating System lazily complained to Ning Xu, 【With such low expectations, there’s no problem at all, but can’t this person have a bit more ambition?】

Another food cultivator quickly followed up, “I… I want a beautiful sword.”

The Melon-Eating System clicked its tongue, 【As long as it’s not a broken piece of scrap iron, there’s no such thing as an ugly sword. Weapon cultivators’ aesthetics are all in line, how could there be an ugly sword?】

Yet another voice spoke up, “I should be suitable to practice with a sword, right?”

【Just barely, it’s more fitting than that big fool from earlier.】

Ning Xu couldn’t help but feel sorry for the Melon-Eating System, as only she could hear its voice, leaving it a bit aggrieved.

Given its talkative nature, it should be able to chat with a whole group of people, right?

But unfortunately, for now, only she could hear its endless chatter.

The disciples who could also hear the Melon-Eating System’s thoughts: … Didn’t dare to speak.

As soon as they entered the Sword Tomb, Ning Xu was dazzled by the variety of swords.

These swords were deeply embedded in the ground, silently yet forcefully asserting their presence. As she got closer, Ning Xu could feel the sword energy emanating from them.

Perhaps due to not being used by cultivators for a long time and lacking spiritual energy nourishment, the sword energy was sharp, but it wouldn’t harm anyone.

Ning Xu was momentarily stunned. “So many swords.”

After expressing her awe, she casually chatted with the Melon-Eating System, “It seems that the Wenxin Sect still has depth.” Most small sects don’t have a Sword Tomb, and even if they do, there aren’t so many swords inside.

The Melon-Eating System complained, 【These are all inferior, half-ripe swords.】

If these swords weren’t ordinary spiritual swords without sword spirits, there would definitely be some rebellion among them.

【Wait, let me pick out a slightly better one for you… Hold on!】

Ning Xu waited for a while but didn’t hear anything. She couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going on?”

At that moment, one of their group had already found a suitable spiritual sword.

The person who had chosen it was the food cultivator who had wanted a beautiful sword.

He held the sword tightly and said, “This one.”

Ning Xu and the others congratulated him.

“Congratulations, fellow cultivator, you’ve obtained your destiny sword.”

The food cultivator replied, “Thank you, thank you, everyone.”

At that moment, a slow and lazy electronic voice echoed.

【It’s flashy but useless.】

Ning Xu: “…”

The other food cultivators: “…”

Although it was the truth, it still hurt to hear it!

The food cultivator who had chosen the beautiful sword didn’t seem too upset. He had self-awareness and knew that, with his talent, no matter how much he looked around, he wouldn’t be able to pick a powerful weapon.

Since that was the case, it was better to choose one he liked, at least it would bring him joy. This sword, which suited his taste, was perfect.

After hearing the Melon-Eating System speak again, Ning Xu couldn’t resist asking, “What were you going to say just now?”

The Melon-Eating System fell silent for a while and then said, 【One good news, one bad news. Which do you want to hear?】

Ning Xu didn’t think twice and directly replied, 【Let’s hear the bad news first.】

If the bad news made her feel down, at least there would be good news to lift her spirits afterward.

The good news was meant to cheer people up.

The Melon-Eating System directly replied, 【The bad news is that the sword in the Sword Tomb most suited to you is not the top-grade one.】

Ning Xu’s mood remained calm. “That’s not exactly bad news.”

Although Ning Xu had bound the Melon-Eating System, she didn’t think her transmigration aura was so powerful that she could have everything best.

As a cultivator, she believed it was important to keep a balanced mindset.

If all the good things were taken by her, how would other cultivators survive?

The Dao wouldn’t allow it.

Ning Xu then asked, “So what’s the good news?”

This time, the Melon-Eating System was silent for a much longer time. After a while, it finally spoke, 【The good news is that there’s a spiritual sword in the Sword Tomb that has already nurtured a sword spirit. Although it’s still just a small sprout and only offers a little confused response, in time, the sword spirit will fully grow and awaken. When that happens, the sword will be a top-tier weapon…】

Ning Xu: !!!

The elders who entered the Sword Tomb with them: !!!

What? There’s such a treasure in the Sword Tomb?

This meant that Wenxin Sect wasn’t lacking in treasures; what it lacked was eyes to recognize them!

Didn’t the Melon-Eating System already find a lot of treasures after it appeared?

First, there was the ninth-tier spiritual beast, Pig Brother, then the Yin-Yang Mirror, and now the spiritual sword that was nurturing a sword spirit!

All of these were treasures that, if found outside, would easily cause bloodshed and conflict!

After connecting the context, Ning Xu understood that this future top-grade spiritual sword didn’t belong to her.

Why did she feel no surprise after hearing the bad news first, and then the good news?

The Melon-Eating System said frankly, 【Because this surprise belongs to someone else.】

Ning Xu, “…?”

Unable to resist, she asked, “Who is it?”

The Melon-Eating System didn’t elaborate, simply saying, 【Whoever can pull it out, it belongs to them.】

Although Ning Xu was destined to have no connection with this spirit sword, it didn’t stop her from eagerly watching the show.

“Where is the sword?”

The Melon-Eating System pointed, 【Go to the right, then straight ahead. At the first fork, turn left, and then go straight ahead again, turn right.】

Ning Xu paused and spoke, “Fellow Daoists, I vaguely sense a spirit sword responding to me. I want to head to the right, please feel free to go wherever you like.” In front of them were three paths, each leading to different spirit swords.

As soon as she finished speaking, Pure-hearted Cultivator took the initiative and said, “I’ll go with you.”

Qin Riluo didn’t say anything, but stood behind Pure-hearted Cultivator, clearly indicating that he wanted to follow them as well.

As for the other five food cultivators, of course, they didn’t need to be asked. They certainly didn’t want to fall behind.

After all, it was a spirit sword that had birthed a sword spirit! Anyone who didn’t want to see the excitement would be a fool!

Ning Xu nodded, “Alright, let’s go now. If any of you come across a suitable spirit sword along the way, don’t miss it.”

Everyone responded, “Alright!”

Ning Xu and her group set off in a grand procession.

They hadn’t gone far when they encountered several waves of disciples from other sects heading in the same direction.

Ning Xu asked the Melon-Eating System in her heart, “Why are there so many people?”

The Melon-Eating System answered casually, 【The spirit sword with the little sprout is different. They must have been attracted to it as well.】

Those who had been holding onto Ning Xu and the Melon-Eating System’s coattails: …

The little sprout spirit sword had no aura to give off. They could only know about it because of the Melon-Eating System!

On the way to their destination, two more disciples from Ning Xu’s group found their own life spirit swords.

One of them was Qin Riluo.

Surprisingly, Wu Luchen, who had been indifferent and calm all along, showed no excitement at all, not even a glance at the swords on the way.

Ning Xu couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you picking a spirit sword?”

Wu Luchen gave a bitter smile, “I can’t sense any aura coming from the spirit swords. I guess I’m not suited for the sword cultivation path.” He had never doubted the Melon-Eating System, but after entering the sword tomb, he felt even more deeply that the system was right.

Ning Xu subtly suggested, “Perhaps, you could try the body cultivation path?”

Wu Luchen easily agreed, “Thank you for the suggestion, Daoist friend. I’ll try it out.”

After hearing this, Ning Xu said to the Melon-Eating System, “Wu Luchen listens to advice.”

【Listening to advice leads to a full stomach. No problem.】

After walking for a while, Ning Xu finally sensed something.

She paused for a moment and then walked purposefully toward a sword.

This sword was glowing a bright blue, with orchid patterns on its blade. The sword was narrow and delicate, exuding an elegant and beautiful aura.

Yes, Ning Xu felt elegance and tranquility from this sword, classical and poetic.

The Melon-Eating System’s tone also had a touch of admiration, 【The artifact refiner who made this sword, in addition to being a weapon master, was also a poet, painter, and famous calligrapher.】

【Or rather, his true passion was not weapon refining but poetry and painting. Weapon refining was merely a way to better convey the art in his heart.】

【This sword is both soft and strong, suitable for water, wood, and earth three-element cultivators. In other words, it’s suitable for you.】

Ning Xu asked, “Does it have a name?”

【It does. Ming Yue. That’s its name.】

Ning Xu joyfully said, “Alright, from now on, this will be my Ming Yue.”

After obtaining her life spirit sword, the Melon-Eating System explained, 【It’s not that I don’t want to find a better one for you, but over the years, top-tier artifact refiners only make spirit swords suitable for single or dual-element cultivators. Occasionally, they make a few for dual-element cultivators.】

【As for three-element, four-element, or five-element cultivators… they don’t even consider them. Even if there are such swords, they won’t be found in the sword tomb of Wenxin Sect.】

【So, there’s nothing to be done. We couldn’t find it, we just couldn’t find it. But it’s fine, the life spirit sword is different from the life spirit beast. Later, when you find a divine weapon, you can replace Ming Yue with it.】

Ning Xu, 【…Is that okay?】

The Melon-Eating System casually said, 【It’s just a replacement, not discarding it. Of course, it’s fine. In the cultivation world, if a more suitable weapon comes along, replacing the original weapon is very common.】

【What do cultivators pursue?】

【The top-tier techniques, the top-tier spirit beasts, the top-tier weapons.】

【After binding with me, you will have all of these, sooner or later!】

Ning Xu played along, “Alright, I’ll eat the big pie you’ve drawn!”

Just as they were talking, a sword that looked pitch black and heavy suddenly flew out of the sword tomb eagerly. It didn’t seem overly refined, but its overall demeanor was steady. It wasn’t excessively delicate but definitely not ugly.

Upon seeing it, everyone felt a connection.

This was the sword with the little sprout sword spirit that the Melon-Eating System had mentioned?

Just as everyone was excited, they heard a slow mechanical voice.

The next second, the sharp-tongued voice said, 【I’ve seen people throwing themselves at others, but never like this.】

【Didn’t expect this little sprout to be so clingy.】

The little sprout sword spirit, with only a hazy consciousness: 【???】

The disciples: ……