Cut From Ice: A Cultivator’s Rebirth

Back at Lingxu Peak, the atmosphere had shifted.

Ever since Li Shuang was reassigned to Wuqing Peak, whispers had begun to circulate through the sect.

—She had abandoned her cultivation and started over from scratch.—She had been accepted by Lin Qingling, who hadn't taken a new disciple in decades.—She had awakened a long-lost sword technique.—The sect master had personally backed her.

These rumors spread like wildfire.

Inside his quiet meditation chamber, Lingxu Zhenren sat with tightly clenched fists.

He hadn't expected Meng Yifei to publicly rebuke him—much less strip him of his peak master status.

What angered him more than anything else…

Was that Li Shuang had truly started cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Love Technique.

In his heart, he had always hoped that she would fail.

That she would return, begging for forgiveness. That she would need his guidance.

But instead, she had risen without him.

Now, even Lin Qingling, his long-time rival, had snatched her up.

He gritted his teeth.

"She's truly ungrateful…"

A soft voice spoke from behind him.

"Master… are you still thinking about Senior Sister?"

Ye Zhaozhao stood by the door, robes fluttering in the breeze. Her face was pale, but her eyes gleamed with hidden malice.

Lingxu Zhenren looked up at her, his expression softening. "Zhaozhao, come here."

She stepped into the chamber and knelt beside him.

"I'm worried, Master," she said gently. "Senior Sister has always been proud. Now that she's with Wuqing Peak, she'll only become more distant. What if she exposes… things that shouldn't be spoken of?"

Lingxu Zhenren frowned. "She wouldn't dare."

"But she might not need to speak," Zhaozhao whispered. "If others begin digging… if they question how she was treated, or how she lost her sword, or why the sect master sided with her…"

She lowered her head.

"I'm afraid… they might suspect you."

Lingxu Zhenren's expression darkened.

That could not happen.

He had worked hard to build his reputation. The righteous, impartial, wise peak master of Lingxu—if that image was shattered, everything he'd built would crumble.

"I trusted her," he muttered. "Taught her everything I knew. She betrayed me."

Zhaozhao reached out to touch his sleeve.

"Master, I'm here for you."

Her voice was tender, soft like silk.

"I know you loved Senior Sister. You raised her like your own daughter. But people like her… they're cold-hearted. Once they find a better tree to cling to, they leave the old one behind."

"Just like her sword spirit," she added, feigning innocence.

Lingxu Zhenren was silent.

Zhaozhao's tone was gentle, but her words were like poison—seeping deep.

"You still have me," she said. "I won't leave you, Master."

He looked at her, his eyes narrowing.

Ye Zhaozhao was not as talented as Li Shuang—but she was clever, loyal, and sweet-spoken. The disciples all liked her. She had never disobeyed him.

And above all, she had always known how to comfort his pride.

"Zhaozhao," he said, reaching to place a hand on her shoulder. "You must work hard. Don't disappoint me."

Zhaozhao lowered her eyes.

"I won't."

But deep in her heart, she sneered.

Old fool.

I've fed your ego for years. Do you really think I care about you?

Sooner or later, you'll be discarded too.

That night, back on Wuqing Peak, Li Shuang sat alone beneath the moonlight.

The Black Abyss Sword rested across her lap.

She had just completed a round of meditation when she suddenly heard a whisper in her mind.

"So... you've chosen me, then?"

Her eyes opened.

The sword pulsed faintly. A ripple of consciousness flowed from its core.

"Wuqian," she said quietly.

The sword spirit finally stirred.

"I was wondering when you'd speak again."

"You're quite ruthless," the voice said, sounding amused. "But then again, that's why you could awaken me."

She didn't respond.

"You've fed me the aura of betrayal, injustice, abandonment… and now, clarity."

"Not bad. I've slept for too long. It's time I sharpened myself again."

She placed her palm on the blade.

"I'll become stronger," she said. "Stronger than anyone."

"I hope so," Wuqian replied. "Because I will not serve the weak."

She smiled faintly.

"Then prepare yourself."

From now on, they would walk the same road.

No more illusions.

No more shackles.

Only cultivation.

Only power.