Jade Dynasty: Heaven-Defying Comprehension

Dazhu Peak, A Small Courtyard

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Ji Changfeng sat cross-legged on his bed, his expression serene. Eyes closed, he assumed the Five Hearts Facing Heaven posture, immersed in cultivation.

Swish—

Suddenly, the surrounding spiritual energy stirred restlessly. A powerful suction erupted from Ji Changfeng, drawing in the ambient spiritual energy like a vortex. He absorbed and refined it in one fluid motion.

Boom—

Moments later, a faint aura surged from his body. The threshold to Jade Purity's second layer was breached effortlessly.

"Phew…" Ji Changfeng opened his eyes, exhaling a turbid breath. Less than half a month to reach Jade Purity's second layer. No one in Qingyun Sect could match this speed.

His Heaven-Defying Comprehension deserved the credit. Upon receiving the second layer's method, he'd used his extraordinary insight to refine it, smoothing out its flaws and making it far more efficient.

Ji Changfeng rose, washed up, and grabbed the woodcutting knife from the courtyard. Time to tackle today's task: chopping a Black Joint Bamboo.

Click. He pushed open the courtyard gate, finding Tian Ling'er and Zhang Xiaofan waiting outside.

Ji Changfeng smiled lightly. "Little Senior Sister, Xiaofan, let's go."

Tian Ling'er pouted. "How many times do I have to tell you? Don't call me Little Senior Sister! Just Senior Sister!"

"Got it, Little Senior Sister," Ji Changfeng replied with a nod.

Understood, but I'm not changing. Tian Ling'er was, after all, undeniably young—and teasing her was too much fun.

Tian Ling'er stomped her foot in frustration but was powerless to argue. Ji Changfeng was her father's favorite disciple now, after all. A pang of jealousy flared in her chest. Hmph! So what if he mastered Jade Purity's first layer in one night? Big deal!

She wouldn't admit it aloud, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears, betraying her hurt. Why does everyone fawn over him?

Ji Changfeng sighed, sensing her distress. To prevent the girl from retreating to some corner to cry—as she'd done before, when he'd caught her sniffling—he softened his tone and offered a few comforting words.

Tian Linger's sensitivity stemmed from her parents' shifted attention. Once the apple of Tian Buyi and Su Ru's eye, she now felt overshadowed by Ji Changfeng's arrival. The subtle change had wounded her fragile heart, making her fear her parents' love had waned.

What a headache, Ji Changfeng thought. But he couldn't deny he'd drawn their focus. The least he could do was make up for it.

"Ling'er, be good," he coaxed, as if soothing a child. "If Master doesn't dote on you, I will."

"Ji Changfeng! Stop calling me Little Senior Sister!" Tian Linger sniffled, her voice thick with grievance.

"Yes, yes, Senior Sister," Ji Changfeng said, rubbing his temples. Why does it feel like I'm babysitting for Master and Shi Niang?

"Hmph!" Tian Ling'er huffed, turning to chop her bamboo.

Zhang Xiaofan watched, a quiet envy in his eyes. I wish I could make Senior Sister cry… no, I mean, comfort her! But he was too awkward, tongue-tied even when alone with her.

"Xiaofan," Ji Changfeng said, patting his shoulder.

"Huh? Seventh Senior Brother?" Zhang Xiaofan blinked.

"I'm heading deeper to chop bamboo," Ji Changfeng said, pointing to the grove's interior.

"Go ahead, Senior Brother," Zhang Xiaofan nodded.

The outer Black Joint Bamboos no longer challenged Ji Changfeng's physique. Only the thicker ones deeper in offered any resistance—though even that was minimal.

Thud! With a few deft strikes, Ji Changfeng felled a bamboo and prepared to head down.

"Hm?" As he turned, his eyes caught a glint of movement. A green snake coiled around a Black Joint Bamboo, its movements almost sentient. Instead of fleeing, it swayed side to side, as if dancing gracefully.

Ji Changfeng froze, captivated.

Boom— A voice echoed in his mind.

[You've observed the green snake's dance and comprehended the Green Snake Sword Intent, creating an unparalleled sword technique—Two Sleeves Green Snake!]

A vision unfolded in his mind: a white-robed figure wielded a sword, moving with the lithe grace of a snake. Though elegant, the figure exuded a terrifying sword intent.

[Two Sleeves Green Snake: A sword technique that appears beautiful but harbors devastating lethality!]

"Hey! Ji Changfeng, what're you spacing out for?" A crisp voice snapped him back.

"Hm?" Ji Changfeng blinked, seeing Tian Ling'er and Zhang Xiaofan, knives in hand, waiting nearby. They'd finished their tasks.

"Coming." He glanced back at the bamboo. The green snake had vanished.

_

Dazhu Peak, Near Shojing Hall

As they descended, wails echoed from the hall. "Ouch! Shi Niang, go easy!"

"Shi Niang, Big Senior Brother's cultivation has improved lately—test him instead!"

Tian Linger's face lit up, and she darted toward the commotion, eager for the spectacle. Zhang Xiaofan hesitated, then followed. Ji Changfeng, after a moment's thought, decided to join them. Perfect chance to test Two Sleeves Green Snake's power.

Outside Shojing Hall, Song Daren and the others writhed on the ground, groaning. Su Ru stood over them, her beautiful face stern, a slender branch in hand like a Qingyun sword immortal.

Ji Changfeng didn't hesitate. Stepping forward, he bowed to Su Ru. "Shi Niang, I've recently gained some insights and humbly request your guidance."

His words stunned the group. Song Daren and the others stopped their theatrics, scrambling to their feet, gaping at Ji Changfeng.

Requesting Shi Niang's guidance? We're dodging her, and you're volunteering?!