Naked Sword Art

Chapter 403: Yin Fei's Request

Sitting under the Primal Blossom Spirit Tree, Xiao Fang couldn't help but take a moment to fully appreciate Yin Fei's presence.

She stood there with her back straight, head held high, and eyes that glimmered like amethyst under the violet glow of the Primal Blossom Tree. Her hair, a cascade of midnight silk, flowed over her shoulders, braided intricately with silver clasps that caught the light with each slight movement. She stood 175cm tall but had a slender frame. Even in a clan full of beautiful girls, she still stood out from the rest.

The robes she wore were deep violet, embroidered with delicate silver threads that traced patterns of blooming lotuses and winding spirit roots—symbols of the Dual Cultivation Clan's legacy.

Her gaze was sharp and unyielding, almost predatory, as if she were sizing him up from the moment she laid eyes on him. Yet behind that sharpness, there was a flicker of curiosity, perhaps even intrigue. Xiao Fang noted the way she held herself: confident, almost regal, like someone who had long ago accepted her strength and knew exactly how to wield it.

'Beautiful, with a hint of danger,' he thought.

But not just in the ordinary sense, but in the way a sharpened blade gleams under moonlight—dangerous and captivating.

He could tell by the way she carried herself that she wasn't just a pretty face. This was a woman forged through cultivation and experience, her aura disciplined and honed. But there was something else too—a kind of restlessness in her eyes that spoke of ambition yet unfulfilled.

Xiao Fang smiled lightly, making the girls watching feel their hearts skip. He could sense the threads of rivalry sparking in her gaze, so naturally he was curious to find out what she was capable of.

"Fang…"

"Yes?"

"Can I speak to you in private?"

Xiao Fang didn't immediately reply, he was curious what she was thinking but for some reason, he felt as if she was going to speak to him about something he wasn't going to like.

"Sure, lead the way."

With the two of them gone, the young dual cultivators began to surround Yu An with admiration and questions.

Yu An had been neglecting them for so long, she was just happy they weren't upset with her. Soon, the crowd grew, it wasn't long till the entire clan was properly meeting their Matriarch for the first time.

…

Yin Fei led Xiao Fang down a winding path illuminated by the violet glow of spirit roots that stretched through the underground sanctuary. The air was cool and fragrant with the essence of blooming spirit flowers that dotted the cavern walls. As they walked, neither spoke, though the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It felt more like a prelude, a pause before something significant.

Eventually, they reached a secluded part of the underground sanctuary, a small garden encircled by thick roots that rose from the ground like ancient pillars. A gentle stream trickled nearby, its waters glimmering with faint traces of spirit energy. Yin Fei turned to face him, her eyes gleaming with resolve.

"Is it true what Matriarch Yu An said?" she began, her voice steady. "You live in the Black Paradise Sect?"

Xiao Fang nodded. "I do."

Yin Fei's eyes softened slightly as she considered his answer. "And… how is it there?"

Xiao Fang raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "It's… good," he replied, though his tone was casual, his eyes stayed sharp. "But why are you asking about that?"

Yin Fei's gaze faltered for the briefest moment, as if she were choosing her words carefully. Her fingers gently traced the edge of a violet blossom growing near the stream. "I've heard stories about the world outside this sect," she began, her voice softer now. "How the sects compete… how powerful cultivators are made." She paused, meeting his gaze with a sincerity that surprised him. "I want to be part of that."

Xiao Fang's expression didn't change, but his eyes sharpened, studying her. He knew she could've just left the sect on her own without telling him anything if that was how she felt, so he knew there was more to it. "You want to join me?"

Yin Fei nodded, her amethyst eyes gleaming with determination. "Yes. Here… it feels like I've hit a ceiling. I've already mastered everything they've taught me, and without the complete Dual Cultivation Method, I can't progress any further. But out there…" She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. "I think I can reach the next level. And maybe beyond."

Xiao Fang folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. He hadn't expected this. Yin Fei wasn't just any disciple—she was practically the strongest among her generation in the Dual Cultivation Clan. Her leaving would not go unnoticed.

"You realize it's not that simple, right?" he said finally. "Leaving here, joining me in the Black Paradise Sect… it would raise questions. There would be risks. Even getting you into the sect would be a hurdle I wouldn't easily be able to help you achieve."

Xiao Fang understood now that the Black Paradise Sect didn't perform any strict background checks—if they did, he would have been forced out long ago. However, there was still one obstacle: the sect required all Outer Court disciples to be at least eighteen years old to participate in the entrance exam. Yin Fei didn't meet that requirement, which meant she would need to find another way in.

Yin Fei smiled faintly. "I'm not afraid of risks." Her eyes softened, and for the first time, she looked almost vulnerable. "If I stay here, I'll never reach my true potential. I know that much."

Xiao Fang studied her for a long moment. Her words were sincere, her ambition clear. He could sense the fire burning within her—the need to grow, to test herself against stronger opponents, to break past her limits. It was something he understood deeply.

"I'll think about it," he finally replied, his voice low and steady. "I won't promise you anything… but I'll think about it."

Yin Fei's expression softened into a smile. "That's all I ask."

A moment of silence lingered between them, punctuated only by the soft trickling of the stream nearby. Finally, Yin Fei turned to leave, her steps light and graceful. Before she was completely out of view, she glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes glimmering with determination.

"Don't take too long to decide, Fang."

Xiao Fang watched her go, his mind already running through the implications. Yin Fei was strong—there was no doubt about that. But bringing her into the Black Paradise Sect… it would be a move that would certainly catch attention. But still, the idea lingered. Her strength could be an asset. And, perhaps more importantly, her ambition mirrored his own.

...

Leaning against the rocks by the spring, Xiao Fang thought long after Yin Fei had gone, his mind swirling with thoughts of her request. Her determination was genuine, and he understood her desire to break past her limits. She reminded him of himself in many ways—unwilling to be bound by circumstance, unyielding in her pursuit of strength.

But the Black Paradise Sect was not a place that welcomed newcomers freely.

Deciding he needed guidance, Xiao Fang stood up, brushed off his robes, and made his way back to Primal Blossom Spirit Tree. The spirit roots glowed brighter as he passed, reacting to his presence as if acknowledging his growing strength. His thoughts were focused, determined to find a way.

Finding his mother surrounded by disciples, he sent her a spirit transmission saying,

{"Mother, meet me at your residence, there's something I need to speak to you about."}

Yu An was surprised to hear his voice in her head, but after catching sight of him, she gave him a nod.

…

Inside Yu An's chambers, she sat at her table, the scent of jasmine tea filling the room. She looked up as he entered, her smile warm and welcoming. "Fang, what's troubling you?"

Xiao Fang took a seat across from her, his gaze serious. "Mother, I need your advice."

Yu An arched an eyebrow, setting her cup down. "Oh? It must be important if it's got you looking so grim."

He nodded. "Yin Fei wants to join me in the Black Paradise Sect."

Yu An leaned back, a look of surprise flashing across her face before she settled into thought. "Yin Fei? That girl is talented… but you know it's not so simple."

"I know," Xiao Fang replied. "That's why I came to you. I can't just sneak her in. And even if I could, it wouldn't go unnoticed."

Yu An sipped her tea, her eyes thoughtful. "You're right about that. But there is a way for someone over the age of 18 to become a disciple of the Black Paradise Sect."

Xiao Fang's eyes narrowed. "How?"

Yu An smiled faintly, leaning forward. "With the endorsement of an Elder. If she were to become an Elder's direct disciple, she could enter without question. It's an old rule, mostly used for special talents or unique cases. But it's still in effect."

Xiao Fang's mind flashed back to Xiao Hei. He had used this very method to get her into the sect only a few months ago. But this was different. Xiao Hei was already part of his family, already tied to him. Yin Fei was another matter entirely. "I remember… But where am I supposed to find an Elder willing to take her in? No one in the Black Paradise Sect would risk their reputation for a stranger."

Yu An chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Who said anything about asking them for a favor?"

Xiao Fang raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

She set her teacup down, the soft clink echoing in the quiet room. "Fang, you are a Dual Cultivator, aren't you? With that comes certain… advantages. If you really want to make it happen, you know what you need to do."

It didn't take a genius to figure out what Yu An was suggesting, and truthfully, he knew it wouldn't be too difficult for him to do.

"I understand."