My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

【drop! 】

[The host has completed yesterday's diary entry.]

[Congratulations, host, on successfully completing your first diary entry!]

[Rewards: Daoist-level cultivation technique "The Daoist Inquiry Manual", can upgrade one Tier 1 spirit sword, and grant late-stage Qi Refining cultivation!]

【Do you want to claim the reward now? 】

Chu Lengyu made her choice without hesitation: "Yes!"

[Rewards have been distributed! 】

As the system notification sounded, a surge of immense power flowed into Chu Lengyu's body once more, filling her dantian and meridians with abundant spiritual energy.

This is the initiation ceremony!

In the blink of an eye, she had already reached the late stage of Qi Refining!

After the spiritual energy infusion ended, Chu Lengyu was still somewhat unsatisfied and was already looking forward to the next one.

The contents of the "Quest for the Dao" cultivation method seemed to have always been engraved deep in her memory.

She closed her eyes and concentrated, carefully comprehending the "Inquiry into the Dao" text. She was completely familiar with it, as if she had been cultivating for many years and knew every word and sentence by heart.

Curious and cautious, she began to practice her cultivation technique, circulating the spiritual energy she had just acquired. After one cycle, the spiritual energy grew stronger.

Chu Lengyu felt joy as she experienced the progress in her cultivation.

Her fingertips were coated with a little spiritual energy, and with a gentle press, she created a small dent in the hard ground.

"Is this the power of cultivators?" she murmured to herself, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Along with acquiring the cultivation technique and receiving the empowerment, Chu Lengyu also gained many techniques for manipulating spiritual energy commonly used by cultivators, as well as basic spells.

Examples include techniques commonly used in daily life such as dust removal, water avoidance, lighting, and object repelling.

For example, fireballs, ice spikes, and lightness techniques used in magical combat.

Chu Lengyu withdrew her hand, feeling the surging spiritual energy within her body, confirming that she finally had some ability to protect herself and felt a sense of security.

Next, Chu Lengyu's gaze naturally fell on the spirit sword in her hand.

This spirit sword is entirely silver-white, like a clear spring under the moon. It is as cool to the touch as jade, and its blade gleams with a faint cold light, as if it could shatter all the disturbances in the world.

Although she was not skilled in swordsmanship, she seemed to have an innate tacit understanding when holding a sword.

She casually swung the sword a few times, the light flashing, without any sense of obstruction or clumsiness, but rather giving people a feeling of lightness as the wind and free and easy.

Chu Lengyu asked with a hint of curiosity, "System, can this sword really be upgraded?"

[Yes, host. 】

[To avoid awkward situations arising during your cultivation journey where your magical artifacts can't keep up with your level, this spiritual sword is now bound to your cultivation level.]

[As you break through to a certain realm, your spirit sword will upgrade to the same level to meet your needs.]

[It can be upgraded to the highest level of the Legend of Sword and Fairy!]

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu nodded in satisfaction.

It would be troublesome if the magic weapon and the cultivation level didn't match. Fortunately, the system has already taken this into account.

Looking at the spirit sword in her hand, she asked again, "Does it have a name?"

No, the host can give it a name they like.

She held the sword horizontally in front of her, gazing at its slender, graceful blade, and softly murmured, "The Soloist."

She repeated firmly and precisely, "My sword will henceforth be called 'Dubu' (独步, meaning 'Unrivaled')."

The Lone Sword seemed to have established some kind of connection with her; she vaguely sensed that it was also satisfied with the name.

[The host has chosen a very good name.]

The system offered a dry, flattering remark.

She chuckled softly and sheathed the sword in her dantian.

Suddenly, a sharp female voice came from behind.

"Oh, isn't this our 'young lady'? She was so sick yesterday, what's she doing hiding here today?"

Chu Lengyu turned around upon hearing the sound.

The newcomer was dressed in gold and silver, in a magnificent outfit. She was beautiful, but her eyes held a hint of meanness.

It really was her, Chu Wen'er!

……

Chu Wen'er has been hostile to Chu Lengyu since childhood.

When her adoptive father, Chu Hanchen, was alive, Chu Lengyu was the only young master in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Although she was an adopted daughter, the Duke of Zhenguo had never married or had children, so Chu Lengyu was the only heir in name.

With such a large and powerful enterprise, who wouldn't be envious?

When she was eight years old, a noblewoman came to her door, wanting to arrange a marriage for her.

But Chu Hanchen was tired of worldly affairs and would chase away anyone who came his way.

She came from a prominent family and was beautiful. Over the years, Chu Lengyu had been the envy of countless young women in the capital.

Chu Wen'er was one of them.

Until the winter of the year before last, Chu Hanchen contracted a sudden illness and passed away.

Only after the second master of the Chu family pulled some strings and moved into the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion did Chu Wen'er finally get her revenge and trample Chu Lengyu underfoot.

She impatiently snatched everything from Chu Lengyu—her courtyard, her jewelry, and even the servants who had once served her.

She made things difficult for Chu Lengyu at every turn, using sharp and sarcastic language to ridicule her, attempting to bring her down to earth.

Most of the suffering Chu Lengyu endured in the Duke's mansion stemmed from Chu Wen'er's malice.

Of course, the real culprits are her parents and brothers who condoned her actions and supported her behind the scenes.

Chu Wen'er had always been jealous of her, and the two did not get along well.

Today, Chu Wen'er passed by here and saw Chu Lengyu's figure from afar.

So she came over with her maids and servants.

But just now she seemed to see something in her hand, so why is it gone now?

Chu Wen'er suppressed her doubts, glanced around, and pressed, "Sister, you're really in a good mood. Instead of resting in the courtyard, you've come to this corner by yourself. Could it be that you're having a secret rendezvous?"

Chu Lengyu knew that Chu Wen'er was deliberately provoking her.

Not wanting to get entangled with her any further, she casually replied, "I was just cooped up in my room for too long, so I came out for a walk and accidentally ended up here."

Chu Wen'er looked Chu Lengyu up and down, her doubts growing stronger.

She was so sick she couldn't get out of bed a while ago, how come she looks so radiant today?

Her skin was as white as snow, dazzling and captivating, with an excellent complexion. She was already extremely beautiful without the need for rouge or makeup.

She seems to have surpassed her former self, and somehow, she has gained an ethereal quality.

What's going on? This doesn't make sense!

Chu Wen'er gritted her teeth in hatred, clenching the embroidered handkerchief in her hand: "Sister, your complexion is so good, it's very strange. Could it be that you used some shady methods!"

"Thank you for your concern, Second Sister." Chu Lengyu curled her lips in disdain and said bluntly, "I am naturally beautiful, which others cannot envy."