Chapter 317: The Test

"How's your comprehension going?" Nie Li looked over at Gu Bei. In his past life, Gu Bei had cultivated Sword Intent, and his understanding of the way of the sword had reached a level that ordinary people could hardly fathom. So Nie Li had deliberately reminded Gu Bei to study the calligraphy carefully, hoping he might gain something from it.

"I sensed that overwhelming Sword Intent, but it's far too profound for me to fully grasp in one sitting," Gu Bei said with an embarrassed smile.

It was perfectly normal that Gu Bei couldn't fully comprehend it. The artistic conception contained in that piece of calligraphy wasn't something that could be mastered in a day or two. Moreover, it was said that out of hundreds or thousands who looked at it, each person would gain a different understanding. Who knew what Gu Bei, who was well-versed in Sword Intent, might draw from it.

"After we get back, I'll write one for you," Nie Li said with a smile.

"Nie Li, thank you!" Gu Bei said earnestly. A single piece of Nie Li's calligraphy had sold for one hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones — its value was staggering. He had already received many benefits from Nie Li, and he was someone who repaid kindness. Every favor Nie Li had done for him was etched in his heart.

"We're brothers — no need to be so polite!" Nie Li laughed.

Listening to the conversation between Nie Li and Gu Bei, Long Yuyin several times wanted to speak up, but held herself back each time.

What right did she have to ask Nie Li for that piece of calligraphy?

Nie Li's calligraphy had sold for one hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones — could she come up with that kind of money? If she wanted his calligraphy, what could she offer in exchange? Her relationship with Nie Li wasn't as close as Gu Bei's.

And yet, the desire for that calligraphy in her heart only grew stronger. That intense curiosity gnawed at her like ants burrowing through her mind. For someone who was obsessed with martial arts to the point of madness, this was truly unbearable. Just moments ago, Nie Li's calligraphy had been right in front of them, and even Gu Bei had gained some insight from it — yet she hadn't been able to perceive a single thing.

For the proud and competitive Long Yuyin, this was utterly frustrating. Was her aptitude really that poor?

What exactly was hidden within Nie Li's calligraphy?

In the end, Long Yuyin gathered her courage and spoke to Nie Li: "Nie Li… that calligraphy you wrote. Could you let me look at it again?"

A small smile flickered across Nie Li's mind. So Long Yuyin had finally asked. Given her personality, it would have been strange if she weren't curious about the calligraphy. But now wasn't the right moment. He simply glanced at her and said calmly, "That calligraphy — you won't be able to comprehend it. Let's leave it for another time."

At Nie Li's words, Long Yuyin's face flushed crimson. If anyone else her age had said she couldn't do something, she would have beaten them into the ground without a second thought. But when Nie Li said she couldn't do it, she felt frustrated deep down — yet she had no temper to raise.

Because Nie Li had every right to say so.

Long Yuyin turned her head away with a huff. Although she was unwilling and indignant at what Nie Li had said, there was nothing she could do about it.

Xiao Ning'er glanced at Long Yuyin, then at Nie Li, and let a meaningful smile play across her lips. Nie Li might often seem nonchalant, but he was remarkably good to the people around him. Under such circumstances, it was only natural that many girls would be fond of him.

Xiao Ning'er sighed softly to herself, wondering what place she held in Nie Li's heart.

The two young women's inner turmoil went completely unnoticed by everyone else. Murong Yu and Ye Xuan pretended not to see Nie Li, turning their gazes elsewhere. Staying with Nie Li was simply too embarrassing for them. But they couldn't just stand up and leave — that would only make them look worse. So despite their frustration, they remained seated.

Li Xingyun gave Nie Li a thumbs-up and said, "In this entire Feather God Sect, you're the only one I truly admire!"

Nie Li smiled and replied, "Brother Li gives me too much credit."

The prodigies of the Feather God Sect in the side hall kept glancing over at Nie Li. Many of them couldn't help but harbor certain thoughts. Gu Bei and Li Xingyun had truly shown foresight by cultivating a friendship with Nie Li early on — the advantage of proximity, so to speak. With their relationship with Nie Li, it would probably be quite easy for them to ask for a piece of his calligraphy, wouldn't it?

Many of them were wondering whether they might approach Nie Li privately. Even if they couldn't become friends, obtaining a piece of his calligraphy would still be a worthwhile gain.

After all, Nie Li was a disciple of the Feather God Sect. There would be plenty of time.

It wasn't just the Feather God Sect's disciples — the disciples of the other two great sects harbored similar thoughts.

Qin Yue stood at the front and smiled lightly behind her hand. "I never expected Junior Brother Nie Li's Dao understanding to have reached such a level. I was blind before. It's a pity my own aptitude is dull, and I couldn't grasp the mysteries within." She eased the awkwardness and continued, "If Junior Brother Nie Li's calligraphy hadn't already been selling for one hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones, I wouldn't be able to resist asking for a piece to satisfy my curiosity! But Junior Brother Nie Li has said that only those with destiny can comprehend the meaning in his calligraphy. It seems I'm not destined for it!"

After this incident, Nie Li's calligraphy had truly made a name for itself across the three great divine sects.