Jade Dynasty: Heaven-Defying Comprehension

Dazhu Peak, Shojing Hall

Tian Linger pouted, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Tian Buyi and Su Ru. "Papa! Mama!" she wailed. I was here first! I'm your daughter!

Su Ru glanced back, a twinge of guilt in her heart. Moments ago, Tian Linger had been nestled in her arms, but the news of Ji Changfeng mastering Jade Purity's first layer had sent her rushing to his side, leaving her daughter behind.

Tian Buyi coughed awkwardly, addressing the gathered disciples. "Finished eating? Then scatter."

His gaze softened as it landed on Ji Changfeng. "Number Seven, come with me."

"Yes, Master," Ji Changfeng replied respectfully.

The other disciples watched him follow Tian Buyi, their eyes tinged with envy. Master's giving Seventh Junior Brother special treatment already.

_

Dazhu Peak, Rear Courtyard

Ji Changfeng trailed Tian Buyi to the rear courtyard. Along the way, Tian Buyi repeatedly grabbed his arm to probe his cultivation, each time breaking into an irrepressible grin.

Jade Purity, first layer! It's really the first layer! Hahaha! To think I, Tian Buyi, would take in such a genius!

"Ahem…" Tian Buyi cleared his throat. "Number Seven, sit."

"Yes, Master." Ji Changfeng settled onto a nearby cushion.

"Since you've mastered the first layer of Taiji Xuanqing Dao," Tian Buyi began, "I'll now teach you the second layer's method."

"Thank you, Master, for imparting the technique!" Ji Changfeng's eyes gleamed with anticipation. One night to master the first layer—how long will the second take?

With a solemn expression, Tian Buyi recited the incantations for the second layer. "Memorized it?" he asked after one recitation.

"Yes, Master, I've memorized it," Ji Changfeng replied.

"One recitation?" Tian Buyi's brow furrowed, skeptical. To be sure, he asked Ji Changfeng to recite the incantations back.

Without hesitation, Ji Changfeng flawlessly repeated the second layer's method.

"Excellent! What comprehension!" Tian Buyi's grin widened. He coughed lightly. "Number Seven, return to your courtyard and cultivate. If you have questions, ask me or your Shi Niang. I've got some business to attend to."

"Yes, Master." Ji Changfeng noted the smug glint in Tian Buyi's eyes and guessed his intentions. He's off to brag. But he said nothing, returning to his courtyard to begin cultivating the second layer.

Meanwhile, Tian Buyi summoned his Crimson Flame Immortal Sword and soared into the sky. "Where to show off first?" he mused. "Tongtian Peak, I think. Been a while since I chatted with Senior Brother Sect Leader."

Swish— His sword light streaked toward Tongtian Peak.

At the same time, Su Ru took Tian Linger to visit her family. For decades, Dazhu Peak had languished in obscurity. Now, they'd finally gained a prodigy—no, a monster. One night to master the first layer of Taiji Xuanqing Dao? Unheard of!

If Su Ru recalled correctly, her Senior Sister Shuiyue's prized disciple, Lu Xueqi, had taken nearly a month to achieve the same. The gap was staggering.

Soon, word spread among Qingyun Sect's upper echelons: Tian Buyi's new disciple, Ji Changfeng, had mastered the first layer in a single night. The sect leaders—Shang Zhengliang, Tian Yun, and others—kicked themselves for overlooking such a talent, letting that oaf Tian Buyi snatch him up.

_

Xiaozhu Peak

Shuiyue Master watched her Junior Sister Su Ru depart with a triumphant air, a faint smile tugging at her lips. It's been ages since she was this happy. Usually, Su Ru's visits were filled with complaints about Dazhu Peak's lackluster disciples and fading legacy. Now, it seemed those worries were gone.

Shuiyue's thoughts turned to the "monster" Su Ru had described. "One night to reach Jade Purity's first layer?" she murmured. "Truly a prodigy."

Beside her stood a white-robed girl, clutching a cerulean divine sword. Her exquisite face, cold and flawless, betrayed a flicker of emotion as she bit her lip—Lu Xueqi.

"Xueqi," Shuiyue said, turning to her beloved disciple. "Your Uncle Tian's new disciple will be a formidable rival. If you aim to win the Seven Peaks Tournament…"

She trailed off, but the implication was clear: It won't be easy.

Lu Xueqi understood. Gripping her Tianya Divine Sword tighter, she said firmly, "Master, I will win!" Not for glory, but to repay her master's kindness. What does talent matter? With enough effort, I'll surpass him.

"Good." Shuiyue smiled warmly, gently patting Lu Xueqi's head, her affection for her disciple evident.

_

Tongtian Peak

Daoxuan Zhenren bid farewell to Tian Buyi, who'd come to "chat," and shook his head with a chuckle. "These years have been tough on Junior Brother Tian."

Strolling across Tongtian Peak, Daoxuan found himself at the Ancestral Shrine. There, a one-armed elder swept fallen leaves with a broom, ignoring Daoxuan's presence.

Daoxuan watched silently for a moment before speaking. "Tian Buyi took in a new disciple yesterday. What do you think?"

The elder remained silent, as if nothing in the world could stir his interest.

Daoxuan pressed on. "They say he reached Jade Purity's first layer in a single night."

The elder's sweeping paused briefly. A raspy voice finally answered, "What's that to me?"

Daoxuan smiled. "Do you think he could inherit your sword intent?"

The elder didn't respond, resuming his sweeping.

Disappointed, Daoxuan turned to leave. But then, the elder's voice rang out again. "Inheriting my sword intent isn't so simple."

Daoxuan paused, a smile spreading across his face. Even you're intrigued by a talent like this.

"Whether it's simple or not, we'll only know after testing him," Daoxuan said lightly, then departed the shrine.

In that moment, a certain idea took root in his mind.