After infiltrating the main characters' group, I became the most beautiful woman in the world.

Su Ning's fingertips gently brushed against the yellowed covers of the sword manuals on the bookshelf: "The master says he's old, but these sword manuals filling the shelf are more vibrant than the passion of any young man in the martial world, aren't they?"

Everyone was surprised to realize how meticulous Su Ning's observations were; even Mr. Duan Shui was slightly astonished.

Yue Zi pressed his advantage, "Indeed, sir, my friend is right. If you truly had no intention of taking on disciples, why are your shelves filled with sword manuals?"

Then he knelt down with a thud, raising his sword, "Master, please accept me as your disciple. I don't ask you to teach me any powerful techniques, I only ask you to teach me how to be a swordsman with a clear conscience!"

Master Duan Shui remained silent for a long time. Just when everyone thought he wouldn't agree, he sighed and said, "If you really want to become my disciple, you must agree to one condition."

"What are the conditions?" Yue Zijin's eyes lit up.

"Our master-disciple relationship is only for one year. That means after one year, I will no longer be your master."

Upon hearing this condition, everyone was puzzled, but before Yue Zijin could ask, he was interrupted: "If you accept this condition, I will take you as my disciple; otherwise, you can return to the Sword Forging Manor now."

The other party gave him no room to refuse, and naturally, no opportunity to ask questions.

Yue Zijin knelt on the ground, clutching the Kuai Zai in his hand, but without the slightest hesitation: "I agree! One year it is, as long as you're willing to teach me, I'll accept even a single day, let alone a year!"

Looking at the stubbornness in his eyes, Master Duanshui's clear eyes flashed with a hint of approval, yet his tone remained calm: "Get up. From this day forward, you will be my last disciple, Duanshui."

Yue Zijin suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with wild joy, and kowtowed three times: "Disciple Yue Zijin greets Master!"

He raised his hand to help the person in front of him up, stroked his beard, and said, "In that case, let's go down the mountain to fetch water first."

"Huh?" Yue Zijin's smile froze.

Listening to the pines and bamboos, standing nearby, explained, "Now that you've become the master's disciple, just do as he says."

Yue Zijin could only give the other person a resentful look, then went out, picked up the tools beside him, and began his journey of fetching water again.

Master Duan Shui then turned his gaze to Pei Yunlian, "Young friend, your internal strength is solid; you must have practiced martial arts since childhood, so you don't need any guidance from me."

"Well then," the old man said, pulling out an antique book from a nearby cabinet. "This book was written by me some years ago; I'll give it to you, young friend."

Although Pei Yunlian wasn't as emotionally expressive as Yue Zijin, she still bowed respectfully and accepted the ancient book with both hands: "Thank you for your generous gift, sir."

Then he turned his gaze to Xu Ling'er, "This young friend must be new to the martial world... Is she a disciple of the Xuanji Sect?"

Having followed Xu Heyu for some time, Xu Ling'er naturally knew that the Su Nu Sect was a branch of the Xuanji Sect, and quickly waved her hand, saying, "Old sir, you have great insight."

"I only learned a little bit of martial arts from my cousin, so I can't be considered a disciple of the Su Nu Sect."

Upon hearing this, Tingsong quickly whispered a few words in Duanshui's ear.

He then realized, "I've been living in seclusion for so many years, rarely concerning myself with worldly affairs, that I had completely forgotten the Xuanji Sect no longer exists."

He then called to Tingzhu, who was obviously used to being ordered around, and the boy quickly took out a book from the shelf.

Xu Ling'er was somewhat flattered and quickly accepted the gift, saying, "I'm just here to join in the fun with Young Hero Yue, how could I trouble you, sir, to give me something?"

The cover says "Light Cloud Technique," but I don't know what it's about.

Master Duan Shui seemed to be in a good mood today, only shaking his head, "It's not worth much money, just a mantra for concentrating the mind and breathing. Young friend, feel free to look it up when you get back."

Despite this, Xu Ling'er dared not underestimate him and thanked him repeatedly.

Now, only Su Ning remains in the room without having received anything.

Mr. Duan Shui glanced at the two children, and then respectfully invited Pei Yunlian and Xu Ling'er to leave.

It was clear that Mr. Duanshui had something to say to Su Ning privately.

Pei Yunlian's gaze fell on Su Ning, and only after receiving a gentle reassurance from her did he stride out of the house.

The door was gently closed, leaving only Su Ning and Mr. Duan Shui inside the bamboo house.

Master Duan Shui turned and walked behind the table, sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and pushed it towards Su Ning: "Young friend, do you know why I kept you here alone?"

Su Ning picked up the teacup, her fingertips touching the cool porcelain, and said softly, "Perhaps you want to ask me about my relationship with the Jade-Faced Sword Immortal, the Peach Blossom Gentleman... or with that young master from the former Alliance?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Duan Shui seemed to have expected it and was not particularly surprised. "It seems that quite a few people have recognized you along the way."

"After all, a dozen years isn't a very long time, is it?" Su Ning took a sip of tea.

A hint of approval flashed in Mr. Duan Shui's eyes. "You are very intelligent and meticulous. You are very much like him."

Then the white-haired old man walked to the bookshelf and slowly pulled out a wooden box from the innermost shelf. "This was sent to me by your father through someone. Now it's time to return it to its rightful owner."

Whether it was the Yan sisters from Fuxian Town or the master of Zhujian Manor, they were all surprised when they learned that Fang Chenglan had a child.

But the person in front of him was very calm, seemingly unconcerned about Fang Chenglan's situation.

Su Ning opened the wooden box, and what came into view was a blank token. It was only engraved with patterns, but there was nothing written on it.

[Ding! The Mystery of My Origins quest has been updated.]

◎Task Progress: 50%

◎Quest Reward: Clues to the Phoenix Feather Sword

The moment Su Ning picked up the token, the system's announcement came into her mind.

The other person didn't seem inclined to say much more, only kindly saying, "You should know that although he has disappeared, the conflicts in the martial world have not disappeared. You should protect yourself."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir."

Su Ning then left the room.

Pei Yunlian stood under the bamboo forest, his robes fluttering in the mountain wind, like a lone eagle with its wings folded. He lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting shadows beneath them, as if the surrounding wind and bamboo shadows had nothing to do with him.

Not far from him was a pretty young girl holding a book, her face full of admiration, but she dared not approach because the boy's aura was too strong.