Liu Ji Ya could become a top prodigy in Jade City at such a young age, first, thanks to her outstanding aptitude, and second, due to the full support of the Liu family, who provided her with all the cultivation resources she needed.
primordial stones, elixirs, and cultivation techniques—Liu Ji Ya lacked none of them.
Ordinary cultivators, however, had to painstakingly seek out primordial stones, wasting most of their time. How much time was left for dedicated cultivation?
Given this, how could their strength swiftly advance?
Therefore, under normal circumstances, cultivators with a family backing them never had to worry about resources. Their cultivation stages often surpassed those of ordinary cultivators of the same age.
"There's still some time until the appointed gathering. You needn't rush. During this period, I shall ensure your swordsmanship makes progress."
Chu Hao gazed at the sky, then rose to his feet.
"It is already late. I shall take my leave now and return tomorrow to instruct you. Furthermore, remember to prepare an elixir known as the Qi Condensing Pill."
"I recall Young Master saying you were staying at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion? That establishment is also a property of my Liu family. Allow me to escort Young Master."
Liu Ji Ya eagerly offered.
"No need," Chu Hao shook his head, declining. "You are far too renowned. Accompanying me would only bring me trouble."
Liu Ji Ya was stunned, a hint of helplessness surfacing on her face. In Jade City, countless young talents wished to get close to her. How many yearned for the chance to have her accompany them?
Yet, from Chu Hao's words, it seemed he wished no deep connection with her. Even during their recent conversation, Chu Hao's gaze had only lingered on her a few times, despite his consistently gentle demeanor.
As Chu Hao had said, he was merely her swordsmanship instructor, nothing more.
This, for the first time, made her doubt her own allure.
"Since that is the case, please accept this command medallion. With this medallion, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion will accord you the finest treatment, and it also grants free entry to the Liu family's estate."
"Thank you."
Chu Hao accepted the medallion and departed with a casual air.
"To forge a sword with one's will—such a genius would likely astound even Grandfather, wouldn't he? I shall go and ask Grandfather. Perhaps he will wish to meet him tomorrow." Liu Ji Ya mused to herself.
That night, at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
"Little brother, you've returned. I thought of changing residences, so I just checked out. Do you mind?"
Chu Ling Er stood waiting at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, approaching Chu Hao upon seeing him.
However, Chu Hao's expression darkened upon hearing this.
"Elder sister, we have lived together for over a decade; only we truly understand each other. When you lie, your eyes always drift elsewhere. How could you hide it from me? Elder sister, tell me the truth, what exactly happened?"
Chu Ling Er opened her mouth, but seeing the genuine concern in Chu Hao's eyes, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words.
"Wasn't I supposed to kick you out of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion? Why are you still standing here!"
A displeased voice rang out as someone emerged from the Drunken Immortal Pavilion's entrance.
"I remember you. You are Fang Xue."
In Chu Hao's sight was a girl of eighteen or nineteen with an oval face and a tall, slender figure. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance. Though she was not among Jade City's four great beauties, she was undeniably pretty.
However, Chu Hao held no good impression of this person; they had a small past grievance.
Her name was Fang Xue. Her origins were unknown, but she resided in an expensive room at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, a place completely unrelated to the cheapest room Chu Hao and Chu Ling Er occupied. Yet, a conflict arose because Chu Ling Er possessed a Tier 3 Demonic Ice Sword, a treasured artifact.
As for what a Tier 3 treasured artifact was, it referred to the classification of cultivators' weapons.
Treasured artifacts were divided into many tiers, with Tier 1 being the lowest.
Qi Refining Realm cultivators commonly used Tier 1 treasured artifacts, Grandmaster Realm cultivators mostly used Tier 2, and Great Grandmaster Realm cultivators typically used Tier 3.
As for Tier 4 treasured artifacts, they were priceless treasures that could only be chanced upon, never sought. They were fundamentally items that only Great Grandmaster Realm cultivators of the tenth stage were qualified to touch.
Even if an ordinary person obtained a Tier 4 treasured artifact, there was a high probability they would be murdered for it. When you lack the strength to defend yourself, possessing a rare item means that item becomes a calamity.
Treasured artifacts of different qualities varied enormously in value. A Tier 1 treasured artifact was worth several hundred primordial stones. A Tier 2 treasured artifact was worth several thousand primordial stones. A Tier 3 treasured artifact was worth tens of thousands of primordial stones. As mentioned, a Tier 4 treasured artifact could not be bought with money. If converted to a practical value in primordial stones, a Tier 4 treasured artifact would be worth five hundred thousand primordial stones or more, with better ones fetching over a million primordial stones.
In the town where the Chu family resided, even the entire Chu family combined could not produce a million primordial stones.
And in truth, many Great Grandmaster Realm cultivators could not afford Tier 3 treasured artifacts. One must understand that ordinary Great Grandmaster Realm cultivators typically had a minimum fortune of only 10,000 primordial stones. To acquire a Tier 3 treasured artifact, they would need to work tirelessly for several years to accumulate the primordial stones.
The entire Chu family possessed only four Tier 3 treasured artifacts in total.
Chu Ling Er's Tier 3 treasured artifact was originally left by their parents before they departed, for Chu Ling Er's self-defense and to protect Chu Hao. However, in reality, this Demonic Ice Sword was merely a re-forged fragment of a Tier 3 treasured artifact. It could not truly be considered a complete Tier 3 treasured artifact.
In terms of value, the Demonic Ice Sword was only worth twice that of a Tier 2 treasured artifact, far from a complete Tier 3 treasured artifact.
Nevertheless, even an incomplete Demonic Ice Sword was enough to tempt a second stage Grandmaster Realm cultivator like Fang Xue.