Chapter Ten: The Lightspeed Sword Dojo

"Is this your car?"

Accompanying Liu Shiyu to the parking lot, Cheng Feng gazed at the luxurious blue sedan before him, overcome with envy.

"This ride must cost at least a million. I had no idea you were this well off."

If only he’d known she was a wealthy woman, he would have latched onto her from the start!

"While I could afford it, I didn't actually spend a single cent on this car. It was a gift from the Association when I was promoted to 'Elite' member a few years ago," Liu Shiyu said calmly as she opened the door and got in. "That's why I say the Association has great benefits."

That made sense. After all, it was a government-run demon-hunting organization. Their fighters faced terrifying monsters every day, risking their lives in deadly battles. Who'd be willing to die for peanuts?

At least, that's how Cheng Feng saw it.

As he settled into the front passenger seat and buckled his seatbelt, a sudden thought crossed his mind.

"Hey, wait a minute—aren’t you only eighteen, same as me? Do you even have a driver’s license?"

"Don’t sweat the details. Just sit tight."

"Hold on! Let me out first!"

Ignoring his protest, Liu Shiyu's lips curled in mischievous amusement. With practiced ease, she started the engine, floored the accelerator, and the car shot forth with a whoosh.

The blue sedan sped into city traffic, moving ever faster, weaving recklessly through the dense flow of cars, sending cold sweat streaming down Cheng Feng’s back.

After twenty or thirty harrowing minutes, they finally arrived in front of a large venue in the city center.

Climbing out, Cheng Feng’s legs felt like jelly. His first thought was sheer disbelief that he was still alive.

Female drivers truly were wild, he thought, adding yet another label to his impression of Liu Shiyu—she might just have a devious streak.

During that hair-raising drive, they’d narrowly avoided several collisions. Cheng Feng had been certain they’d end up as mangled wreckage—so badly not even his self-healing ability could save him.

Noticing his near-death look, Liu Shiyu laughed softly from the side. "What's the matter? If you can't handle that little test, how will you survive the hellish training coming up?"

"Hellish training?" Cheng Feng felt he’d just fallen into a trap.

"That's right."

"And the instructor you mentioned?"

"The so-called technical instructor... also known as the Sword Arts Teacher. She's the one I’m taking you to meet. You’d better show some respect when you see her."

...

Before them stood an unusually large dojo, its signboard bearing the bold and sweeping characters: 'Lightspeed Sword Hall.' It stood out prominently in the bustling city street.

Lightspeed? What a name.

Puzzled, Cheng Feng asked, "A sword hall? Aren't all Association members espers? Do they actually fight with swords?"

"You’re right. Every member is issued a spirit-blade or spirit-sword. Have you forgotten? That night, I came to save you wielding a blade."

At her words, the memory flashed in Cheng Feng’s mind—Liu Shiyu had indeed appeared with a chilling blade in hand. Suddenly, it all clicked. "So your ability is ice?"

"Now you get it."

...

"This sword hall is affiliated with the Disaster Association. It’s one of the main training grounds for new recruits. If you can endure it, your strength will soar. Unfortunately, eighty-five percent of newbies quit within three days," Liu Shiyu explained as she led Cheng Feng into the hall.

"You’ll spend the next couple of days here, training with the instructor. With your self-healing, it doesn’t matter how badly you get hurt—the real test is your willpower. I believe, after training, your power will skyrocket."

After the lengthy introduction, Cheng Feng felt like he was being sold an empty promise. He had just one question: "Is this instructor of yours really that strong?"

"Stronger than me," Liu Shiyu replied, pride softening her features. "She’s one of the three top-tier combatants in the Disaster Association—a legendary powerhouse dreaded by countless monsters. I was trained by her, too."

"Seriously?" Cheng Feng was stunned. "I was just wondering why you wouldn't train me yourself."

"I don’t have the time. Besides, isn’t it better to leave training to the professionals?"

As they conversed, the two passed the reception desk. Liu Shiyu gave the receptionist a gentle nod, then led Cheng Feng toward the training grounds.

Soon, a vast training arena unfolded before them, filled with people practicing sword techniques.

Everyone wore the same white training uniform, each with a black sash at the waist.

Some sat on the floor, chatting and resting; others sparred with swords in the ring, exchanging skills.

On one of the platforms, a handsome, refined man was instructing a new recruit.

As he pointed out techniques, Jiang He’s peripheral vision caught sight of the approaching pair. Turning, he was momentarily stunned, then lit up with delight.

Amid the clamor of sparring, Liu Shiyu was about to lead Cheng Feng to their instructor when Jiang He leapt from the platform and jogged over, unable to contain his excitement.

"You’re here, Shiyu! Did you hear I was assigned to train new recruits today and come especially to see me?"

"You’re mistaken, Jiang He," Liu Shiyu replied, her tone even and cool. "I’m here to bring a new recruit."

"I see... ha ha..." Jiang He scratched his head awkwardly and forced a laugh. Only then did he notice Cheng Feng. "So this is the new recruit you brought?"

"Hello, I’m Cheng Feng." Cheng Feng introduced himself politely, extending a hand in greeting.

"Jiang He." Jiang He shook his hand, thinking to himself: So Shiyu went to Qingye High a couple of days ago for this recruit?

Feeling the other’s grip tighten, Cheng Feng frowned. This was their first meeting, so why the hostility?

Fine, he’d add Jiang He to his blacklist.

Liu Shiyu, oblivious to this subtle exchange, was scanning the hall. "Where’s the instructor?" she asked.

Jiang He quickly volunteered, "No need to look for her. If you need this recruit trained, I can take care of it."

"How does his strength compare to yours?" Cheng Feng asked Liu Shiyu, glancing at her.

But before she could answer, a crowd had already gathered around Liu Shiyu, greeting her warmly.

"Senior sister, it’s been a while since you’ve visited, hasn’t it?"

"You’re even more beautiful than before, senior sister!"

"You hardly ever paid attention to us before, senior sister. How come you’re so close with this new guy today?"

Many of these people were older than Liu Shiyu, yet all addressed her as senior sister.

It was clear her strength, reputation, and status in the dojo were all exceedingly high.

A ponytailed girl of about fifteen or sixteen charged over and threw her arms around Liu Shiyu in a bear hug. "Shiyu, I missed you so much! How long has it been?"

"Little sister Qiu Ling, you’ve grown taller these past months," Liu Shiyu replied, gently caressing the girl’s head, making Qiu Ling giggle with childlike delight.

As Cheng Feng watched in confusion, Jiang He leaned over and whispered, "Shiyu has always been aloof, rarely taking the initiative with others. Still, we all like her. Her story and her strengths are beyond anything you can imagine."

All of you?

More like just you.

It was almost as if the word "simp" was written across his face, but Cheng Feng graciously kept the thought to himself.