Mount Hua Reincarnation - Chapter 9: Inner Splendor, Outer Poverty

Chapter 9: Inner Splendor, Outer Poverty

The early plum blossoms withered, and the mid-winter plum blossoms bloomed. Then, after the mid-winter blossoms withered, the early plum blossoms appeared once more.

Zhou Xuchuan had been living in the Lotus Pavilion for about a year now. Time had flown by like an arrow. Throughout this period, he consistently practiced the Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method. Thanks to this, now eleven years old, he had accumulated forty-five years’ worth of internal energy.

His Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method progressed from one-tenth to the two-tenths, and finally reached the three-tenths of mastery. The progress was still painfully slow. This was not something Zhou Xuchuan deliberately controlled. On the contrary, it required significant mental effort to train.

Other martial arts did not take as long when given this much attention. Almost a year was sufficient. In fact, he had fully mastered the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword Technique. He kept it a secret from those around him.

Basic sword techniques like the Six Harmonies Sword or the Falling Blossom Sword Technique only took a few months to learn.

“Sigh.”

Despite being able to resolve most things with the knowledge of the Martial Realm he had achieved in the past, the Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method was complex. He truly realized it was not the Mount Hua Sect’s divine method for nothing.

It would have been easier if someone had taught him, but the only person who could advise him on the Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method was the sect leader. However, Zhou Xuchuan was not supposed to know the method, so asking the leader was not an option. He had to figure it out alone.

The Mount Hua Sect’s fourth-generation disciples didn’t spend their childhood in the Lotus Pavilion for no reason. The treatment was that good.

What Zhou Xuchuan particularly liked was the almost unrestricted personal training. Except for a few, there were no restrictions.

Since coming to the Lotus Pavilion, he has learned several advanced martial arts. His internal energy cultivation method was the Plum Blossom Six Harmonies Cultivation Method.

The Mount Hua Sect’s representative internal energy cultivation methods were divided into four.

The foundational Plum Blossom Qi Cultivation was the first. The Plum Blossom Six Harmonies Cultivation Method and the Jade Maiden Cultivation Method were second and third, only permitted to elite disciples.

This was because these two were the foundation of the Mount Hua Sect. Of course, the Jade Maiden Cultivation Method, being exclusively for women, was not something men could learn.

The fourth was the Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method, the Mount Hua Sect’s ultimate divine method.

Zhou Xuchuan diligently trained both the Plum Blossom Six Harmonies Cultivation Method and the Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method. Having practiced them exhaustively in his previous life, he could cultivate both at an incredibly fast pace.

Additionally, he learned the Fourteen Movements of Plum Blossom Sword Art, pursuit skills, detoxification techniques, and other essentials for the martial world.

The successful candidates of the Lotus Pavilion received a different level of education than the general fourth-generation disciples. The Lotus Pavilion had its reputation for a reason.

Today, Zhou Xuchuan demonstrated the Fourteen Movements of Plum Blossom Sword Art in front of the instructor, then took some personal training time. He usually sat near a plum tree and circulated the Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method. This consistent practice helped build his internal energy.

“Senior brother.”

He opened his eyes after finishing his energy circulation and saw a familiar face.

“I might really get Qi Deviation at this rate,” Zhou Xuchuan said, calming his startled heart.

A year ago, the two of them were initiated into the Lotus Pavilion together. The repercussions of that event were still being talked about.

“If I startled you, I’m really sorry,” Luo Xiao Yue blinked and apologized.

Her voice sincerely conveyed her apology.

“There’s no need to apologize that much. But still, you’re always like an old soul… well, it makes sense, considering your relationship with that old lady.”

Luo Xiao Yue was ten years old. Her mature spirit and behavior, which did not match her age, remained the same. She tried to be considerate and yielding.

Even her senior brothers, several years her senior, came to her for advice.

It didn’t seem like the experience of a ten-year-old.

This was partly because Luo Xiao Yue had been exceptional from a young age, but also because of the strict education of the Iron-Blooded Plum Sword.

“Senior brother.”

Luo Xiao Yue puffed her cheeks.

“Alright, I understand. I’m sorry. I apologize.”

Zhou Xuchuan shrugged his shoulders, admitting his fault.

To others, the Iron-Blooded Plum Sword might seem cold and emotionless, but maybe not to her disciple.

As Zhou Xuchuan readily apologized, Luo Xiao Yue looked satisfied.

“It’s good to see someone admitting their mistakes so readily.”

“Yeah. Anyway, you’re quite unique too. Hanging around with someone like me.”

Zhou Xuchuan had gained a nickname even before he ventured into the martial world.

“Inner Splendor, Outer Poverty”

It was a play on the idiom “External Splendor, Internal Poverty”, which means something flashy on the outside but empty on the inside.

A year ago, during the initiation test, Zhou Xuchuan won by recklessly swinging his sword, hardly qualifying as swordsmanship.

Initially, there were rumors of trickery, but it was resolved as him having acquired a fortuitous opportunity with a spiritual medicine.

“Like putting a pearl necklace on a pig.”

“Such a waste, for fortune to come to someone like him.”

“In the end, he’s just lucky, isn’t he?”

As a result, Zhou Xuchuan’s reputation plummeted further.

Having used spiritual medicine and winning by overpowering with internal energy meant that his actual martial skills were poor.

Especially for the exam candidates who had trained for years, Zhou Xuchuan was even more despised than their worst enemy.

Nevertheless, contrary to the nickname “External Splendor, Internal Poverty,” he was nicknamed for having splendid internal energy but no martial arts skills.

Naturally, Zhou Xuchuan himself didn’t care.

On the contrary, he was inwardly pleased with this assessment.

‘It’s a bit annoying to be criticized, but it’s ideal.’

Though he entered the Lotus Pavilion, he was perceived as mediocre.

This would allow him to avoid the eyes of future enemies.

Despite regretting his past life and deciding to live this life as he wished, this was something he had to maintain.

“Senior brother,” Luo Xiao Yue looked at Zhou Xuchuan intently.

“Why?”

“Is what you usually show really your true skill?”

“Yes.”

Zhou Xuchuan lied blatantly.

After entering the Lotus Pavilion, Zhou Xuchuan’s actions were quite unconventional and attracted attention and expectations.

At the time of his initiation, most people had a negative view of him.

But there were those who thought differently.

Even if he was lucky to be initiated thanks to spiritual medicine, proper training might change him.

Several instructors at the Lotus Pavilion, especially those assigned in place of Liu Zhengmu who was away on duty, sincerely taught him, though he was not their direct disciple.

However, Zhou Xuchuan, needing to conceal his true skills, never fully followed their teachings.

He showed just enough skill to be ambiguous.

‘Elder Shen Yu Lian doesn’t like me. So, it’s better for me to not get involved.’

Zhou Xuchuan got up from his seat.

Luo Xiao Yue tried to follow, but he gestured for her to stay.

‘Ah, it’s such a waste.’

Although he acted cool and uninterested on the outside, he really wanted to go back and talk to Luo Xiao Yue.

Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix, Luo Xiao Yue.

His memories of her were still vividly etched deep in his mind.

She stood before the prominent figures of the orthodox martial world, receiving admiration as the Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix and courted by many men.

The gap between her fame and actual skills was so vast that Zhou Xuchuan only dared to follow her from afar, never mustering the courage to speak to her.

Having her around, calling his name, smiling, and sharing conversations was more than enough happiness for him.

In a few years, Luo Xiao Yue would become a beauty discussed as the number one in the martial world and rise as a hero.

Zhou Xuchuan, who was nothing, had long admired her.

People he had strived to be like for years, even decades, until his death.

Luo Xiao Yue was definitely among them.

‘I just need to endure a little longer.’

Luo Xiao Yue was one thing, but Shen Yu Lian was another issue.

Shortly after their initiation, Shen Yu Lian had shown obvious dislike for Zhou Xuchuan and paid him a lot of attention.

But soon, as Zhou Xuchuan stayed inconspicuous and caused no trouble, she lost interest.

Now was the time to stay unnoticed.

Zhou Xuchuan kept this in mind, over and over again.

***

In the Lotus Pavilion, the geniuses of the Mount Hua Sect gathered – the prodigies, the gifted, and the talented. Excluding Zhou Xuchuan, there were nine members.

When Zhou Xuchuan first saw the members of the Lotus Pavilion, he anticipated it but still couldn’t hide his surprise. Indeed, most of the current members had fought alongside Luo Xiao Yue in battlefields. It made sense when he thought about it. The Lotus Pavilion was a place for the talents of the Mount Hua Sect, and a lot of effort was made to grow them into accomplished martial artists. In exceptional cases, they were even provided with superior martial arts techniques or spiritual medicines early on. It was truly a cradle of the future. The Sect Leader, the Mount Hua Five Elders, and the Plum Blossom Swordmasters, almost all of them had originated from the Lotus Pavilion.

‘How should I express this feeling?’

Everyone in the Lotus Pavilion, including Luo Xiao Yue, was unrelated to him. They all lived in different worlds. They never got to know Zhou Xuchuan’s face, let alone his name, even when he became one of the Mount Hua Five Elders in his past life. ‘Everyone here… will disappear in the era of turmoil.’

During the decades-long era of war and turmoil, the strength of the Mount Hua Sect changed numerous times – the Plum Blossom Swordmasters, the Mount Hua Five Elders, and even the Sect Leader. The heroes who were once called legends lost their lives for peace. The same was true for the kids here. Only Zhou Xuchuan survived.

‘Now, I don’t even know what will happen to me.’

Zhou Xuchuan survived until the very end in his previous life due to a bit of luck and his mediocre martial skills. Most of the elite were involved in important missions and became targets of assassination. The lower-ranked martial artists mostly perished as expendable troops. In contrast, those of moderate skill managed to survive by protecting themselves.

However, Zhou Xuchuan had now surpassed the average and entered the prodigy class of the Lotus Pavilion, so his future was uncertain. ‘Will I become a target now?’

That thought crossed his mind.

“Hey, Inner Splendor, Outer Poverty!”

He turned around at the sound of someone calling his nickname. There stood a boy with an angry expression. The boy’s eyes were fierce, and he was breathing heavily in excitement. He was taller than the other children, and his spiky hair was particularly striking.

“Yes, senior brother Li Jian.”

Li Jian, three years his senior and fourteen this year, was a member of the Lotus Pavilion.

“You brat!”

Li Jian glared at Zhou Xuchuan with bloodshot eyes. The emotion in his eyes was clear jealousy.

Zhou Xuchuan scratched his head awkwardly, then smiled wryly, waving his hands. Luo Xiao Yue was one thing, but Zhou Xuchuan was also an unusual child.

“How could I ignore a senior brother’s words? Sister was just conveying a message from the instructor.”

Zhou Xuchuan spoke as if pleading.

“Really?”

Li Jian asked suspiciously, not forgetting to shake Zhou Xuchuan’s collar.

“Yes, really.”

“Sigh.”

Finally, Li Jian loosened his grip on the collar.

“Annoying brat!”

Li Jian glared at Zhou Xuchuan one more time and turned away, still angry.

“His voice is still really loud.”

Since his initiation, Li Jian had disliked Zhou Xuchuan, mainly due to Luo Xiao Yue’s interest in him. Luo Xiao Yue had been famous since her entry into the Mount Hua Sect, not only for her talent but also for her striking beauty. From the moment of her entry, she ignited the hearts of the young men, increasing the emphasis on restraint and moderation in their education. Li Jian was one of those young men. That’s why he always noticed and confronted Zhou Xuchuan when he talked to Luo Xiao Yue.

Sometimes Zhou Xuchuan felt a bit angry at his behavior, but he could endure it as Li Jian never crossed the line. Like other disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, Li Jian also aspired to become a Plum Blossom Swordmaster. Causing trouble in the Lotus Pavilion could affect his future prospects.

Whether it was due to this concern or not, Li Jian had never caused serious trouble. Zhou Xuchuan would have stopped tolerating it if he had crossed the line, but he hadn’t.

Apart from Li Jian, Zhou Xuchuan’s relationships with other members of the Lotus Pavilion were neither good nor bad. There was hardly any interaction.

Initially, he received contemptuous looks due to the incident at the Lotus Pavilion. He was accused of defiling the sacred examination hall. However, after about a year, their attitudes shifted to indifference. If their coordination during training was off, it would have been a different story, but Zhou Xuchuan followed along well enough without causing issues.

Li Jian was the only one who openly showed dislike. The rest of his time in the Lotus Pavilion was uneventful. He mostly spent his time training in martial arts, and after a day’s training, he would meditate and ponder over the Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief.

‘Not much time left.’

Only two years remained. He had already made detailed plans. He just needed to put them into action.

‘When will it be?’

Members of the Lotus Pavilion progressed faster than ordinary disciples. They also ventured into the martial world at a young age. Even if their skills are somewhat lacking, they still go out under the pretext of gaining experience, accompanied by a guardian. This was both a tradition and an educational policy of the Lotus Pavilion.

Zhou Xuchuan patiently waited for the day that was bound to come.

***

There is a saying that things seem slow when looking forward, but fast when looking back. Before long, another year had passed.

‘Heh, as always, his internal energy is monstrous.’

The Mount Hua Five Elder, Ling Zhen, finished taking Zhou Xuchuan’s pulse and couldn’t help but express his admiration.

Zhou Xuchuan was now twelve years old. Through his Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method, he had accumulated six years of internal energy each year, totaling fifty-one years of internal energy. Soon, he would reach a full 60-year cycle.

Even other disciples from the Nine Great Sects couldn’t achieve this.

‘Only twelve years old and already approaching a full 60-year cycle, this truly defines a fortuitous opportunity.’

In the Mount Hua Sect, not many people were interested in Zhou Xuchuan. The Alchemist Ling Zhen was one of the few. Two years ago, he had agreed to Zhou Xuchuan’s initiation, saying he would observe him. But it wasn’t anything significant, just regularly checking his physical condition.

‘It’s not the Water Spirit Fruit but the Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method.’
Zhou Xuchuan laughed bitterly inwardly.

Ling Zhen mistook Zhou Xuchuan’s rapidly increasing internal energy for the effects of the Water Spirit Fruit, unaware of the secrets of the Plum Blossom Qi Cultivation and the Plum Blossom Qi Absorption Method.

“You and that weakling sharing water spirit fruit.

You dirty bastards. Shouldn’t you take care of the elders of the sect first?”

Ling Zhen lamented, licking his lips.

“He’s not a weakling.”

“Hmph, look at how you’re rolling your eyes when I mention your master!”

Ling Zhen raised his voice, annoyed.

‘Stop teasing already. Is it that fun to tease a twelve-year-old?’

Zhou Xuchuan sighed, clearly fed up.

‘Yes, it’s fun! Hahahaha!’

Since Ling Zhen regularly visited for pulse diagnosis, their interaction was the most frequent. Over two years, they had become somewhat close and joked around like this.

‘If the pulse check is done, I’ll take my leave.’

‘Don’t you want to hear news about your master?’

‘Ling Zhen is the best elder of Mount Hua!’

Zhou Xuchuan was about to stand up, but then sat back down. He gathered his knees and placed his hands respectfully on them.

Two years ago, Liu Zhengmu spent most of his time outside Mount Hua after venturing into the martial world. He occasionally returned to Mount Hua, but would leave again within a month upon receiving orders. Zhou Xuchuan was discontent but couldn’t say anything. Liu Zhengmu had received such leniency due to his poor health. It was time to repay that debt.

“It’s not such a big deal, so relax those tense eyes,”

Ling Zhen relayed Liu Zhengmu’s whereabouts with a bored expression. It wasn’t anything remarkable, just that he had completed some missions somewhere.

Having become close to an Elder of Mount Hua, Zhou Xuchuan often received news about his master even before receiving letters from him.

‘That’s more than enough. Thank you as always.’

Zhou Xuchuan bowed in gratitude. Sincerity emanated from every gesture. A warm smile naturally appeared on his face. To anyone, it would seem like a beautiful example of the bond between a master and disciple.

‘Ah, and you should also start preparing to venture out soon.’

Ling Zhen continued writing something on a paper.”

…

Zhou Xuchuan’s eyes widened.

‘Finally!’

Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart raced wildly.

His breathing quickened.

Something in his brain secreted, radiating heat.

Ling Zhen, unaware of Zhou Xuchuan’s reaction, continued speaking while fixing his gaze on the paper.

“You already know that the disciples of the Lotus Pavilion enter the martial world earlier than the regular disciples…”

Ling Zhen’s explanation went on, but Zhou Xuchuan wasn’t listening attentively.

Zhou Xuchuan calmed his heightened emotions.

‘Finally, the time has come.’

He had been quite anxious since there was only a year left, but now the anxiety and nervousness were over.

Entering the martial world.

These four words filled Zhou Xuchuan’s mind.

Not all members of the Lotus Pavilion venture into the martial world. Only a selected few are chosen. The priority is given based on the age limit of staying in the Lotus Pavilion. Those who haven’t entered the martial world by the age of fifteen are automatically prioritized.

Other factors include recommendations and martial arts ranking. In terms of recommendations, typically, if the master or instructor thinks it’s necessary, it becomes a priority after age.

Zhou Xuchuan had already requested this through a letter to Liu Zhengmu. Although Liu Zhengmu was worried, he eventually agreed since his usually uncomplaining disciple almost pleaded for the first time.

The competition for venturing into the martial world wasn’t fierce. Every disciple of the Lotus Pavilion gets one chance to enter the martial world before becoming an adult. There was no rush. Moreover, those who have already ventured into the martial world are naturally pushed down the list.

The members for the martial world expedition were determined.

“Nice to meet you. From today, I’ll be in charge of you. I am Gu Feng.”

Gu Feng, the Fourteenth Gallant Swordsman.

He was the leader and protector of this Lotus Pavilion’s martial world expedition. Among the third-generation disciples, he was outstanding in martial arts, a transcendence master with a well-known reputation in the martial world. Not only is his martial skill exceptional, but his seniority is also high. Even among the third-generation disciples, no one dared to belittle Gu Feng.

Zhou Xuchuan stood up, acknowledging Gu Feng as his martial uncle.

“Let’s check the members before descending the mountain.”

Gu Feng called out the names of the greenhorns in front of him.

“Zhang Hong, Zhang Xuen, Zhou Xuchuan.”

“Yes!”

All three responded simultaneously, their voices full of energy.

Gu Feng smiled wryly, patted each of their shoulders gently, and spoke in a soft tone.

“We’re not going to die, so there’s no need to be so tense. We’re just descending Mount Hua.”

The tense atmosphere relaxed.

“Let’s go, then.”

Gu Feng led the way, followed by the others.

‘Senior brother Zhang Hong, Junior sister Zhang Xuen.’

Zhou Xuchuan, at the back, observed the boy and girl in front. Both their faces showed a mix of anticipation and tension.

Zhang Hong, fourteen, was the oldest in terms of age and seniority in the Lotus Pavilion. Zhang Xuen, his junior sister, was thirteen.

Zhou Xuchuan was relieved to know these two siblings were part of the expedition. Their relationship with him in the Lotus Pavilion wasn’t bad. They didn’t particularly like him, but they didn’t despise him either. They were indifferent, which was much better than someone like Li Jian who would annoyingly pick fights.

When the martial world expedition was decided, Luo Xiao Yue came to say goodbye with regretful eyes. She wanted to accompany him, but gave up due to the disapproving eyes of Shen Yu Lian.

“Uncle Gu, may I ask you something?”

Zhou Xuchuan inquired.

“Ask away.”

“Where is our destination?”

“We’re heading south to Guizhou, beyond Chongqing.”

“Guizhou, you mean?”

Zhang Xuen asked, slightly nervous.

“Yes, it’s a border area between the orthodox and unorthodox factions.”

Guizhou has always been a place of constant strife, a battleground where the influence of the orthodox and unorthodox factions is evenly mixed. They constantly fought to expand their influence and control, even during ceasefires.

“It’s a disputed area, but don’t worry. I’m here, and there are many high-ranking masters of the orthodox faction in Guizhou. You won’t get hurt or die.”

Venturing into the martial world for a martial artist means applying the martial arts skills learned in real-life situations.

‘Chongqing!’

While Zhang Hong and Zhang Xuen were tense about going to Guizhou, Zhou Xuchuan was not. For him, the important place was not Guizhou, but Chongqing.

That’s where what he had been searching for was hidden.

‘The Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief!’