As Xu Fengnian donned his straw raincoat and bamboo hat once more, carrying his fishing rod and basket to the lakeshore, Wang Xiaoping, the sword-obsessed hermit, had already vanished without a trace. Qing Niao stood quietly by the shore, taking the items from her master’s hands. The basket was empty. Xu Fengnian felt somewhat embarrassed; within the waters of Tingchao Lake, the koi were so tame that one need not even fish—merely leaning down and splashing the water could cause several fish to leap straight into one’s hands. Xu had sat on the lake enduring the cold, painstakingly fishing for an hour or so, only to return empty-handed.
Liu Wenbao soon arrived at a sprint, followed by Zhang Dongling and his son Zhang Chunlin from Youyan Manor, as well as the woman who had betrayed the Nanhai Guanyin Sect. All of them were genuinely grateful and tearfully appreciative. Before Xu Fengnian could even speak, Zhang Dongling, who was at least the acknowledged leader of the martial sect in this region, immediately dropped to his knees to kowtow. Xu Fengnian hastily stepped forward to stop him, refusing to allow such a grand gesture. Meanwhile, Zhang Chunlin, his arms full of famous swords, gazed at Xu with deep reverence, practically begging to become his disciple on the spot.
Xu Fengnian hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided not to reveal the truth. It was rare that he had the chance to play the role of a righteous hero, so he politely replied, “Your manor graciously offered lodging first, and I merely returned the favor. We are even, and there is no debt between us. Master Zhang, please do not take this too seriously. To be honest, I borrowed over a thousand swords from Youyan Manor this time, but many were stolen by those cultivators from the Nanhai Sect. I truly feel guilty about it.”
Zhang Dongling, who had believed he was surely doomed to die, hardly cared about the hundreds of swords that had been taken. Besides, dozens of treasured swords remained in the manor, such as Zhang Chunlin’s sword, Wugen Tian Shui, Long Xu Feng Sui, Xi Yao Yang Chun, and Sha Dong—each of them returned intact.
Zhang Dongling had even been willing to seal the ancestral incense burner of Longyan Cave for the sake of the woman beside him, so how could he possibly value the swords more than the wife who had shared his life’s trials? He was not eloquent by nature and did not know how to properly express his gratitude. As a man of great character, he simply trembled with emotion, clasping the young white-haired man’s hand, their unspoken understanding passing between them.
Xu Fengnian did not immediately return to the small courtyard named Chi Xue, but instead said directly, “You have three more years to forge the remaining talisman swords. I happen to have several ancient swords from the Great Qin Dynasty in my household, similar in quality to the famed Mu Ma Niu sword. Once I return home, I will have them sent to your manor shortly. They should help alleviate your current predicament.”
Zhang Dongling was taken aback, murmuring, “How could that be acceptable? Everyone says that a drop of water’s kindness deserves a spring’s worth of repayment. But if this is already a spring’s worth of grace, how can I ever repay it?”
Xu Fengnian smiled, “Stopping the South China Sea cultivators on the lake was merely an act of righteous impulse. However, those ancient swords from the Qin Dynasty will require a deal with Youyan Manor. They are not a gift.”
Relieved at not being burdened with a debt of gratitude, Zhang Dongling nodded repeatedly, “That is best. If the noble sir does not mind, all the secret chambers of Youyan Manor, including the Longyan incense burner, shall be open to you. You may take whatever you wish. Except for my son’s Wugen Tian Shui sword, which was gifted to him as a coming-of-age present and thus cannot be sold, the other four swords—Sha Dong, Long Xu, Feng Sui, and Xi Yao Yang Chun—along with every famous sword in the manor, shall be yours to take. Furthermore, several ancestors once traveled the martial world and had rare encounters. Youyan Manor has gained some insights into cultivation techniques. I shall keep only copies of those manuals, while the originals will be given to you. There are also some land deeds and gold in the manor…”
As Zhang Dongling spoke with increasing enthusiasm, his wife gently tugged his sleeve, snapping him back to his senses. He realized his impropriety and gave an awkward smile. He thought to himself that with the noble sir’s prestigious background, how could he possibly be interested in such mundane treasures of gold and silver? Regaining his composure, he clasped his fists and apologized, “It is I who have acted vulgarly. Noble sir, please do not take offense.”
Xu Fengnian glanced back at the lake and turned with a smile, “Shall we go to Chi Xue courtyard and talk further?”
Zhang Dongling naturally had no objection. Upon arriving at the courtyard, the steward Zhang Han had already led away three curious maids who had come to visit, leaving only two maids who worked at Chi Xue. The hosts and guests sat around a brazier. The young master, Zhang Chunlin, dared not sit down, nervously eyeing the nobleman who appeared about his own age. With several swords clutched in his arms, he looked somewhat comical, like a wandering swordsman hawking his wares. Perhaps Xu Fengnian’s borrowing of swords had been so extraordinary that Zhang Chunlin mistook the white-haired swordsman for a reclusive immortal who merely appeared young but was actually several decades old.
Xu Fengnian took a sip of yellow wine and asked, “Master Zhang, have you ever considered relocating the foundation of Youyan Manor elsewhere?”
Beiliang lacked land and gold, but most of all, it lacked talent. The superb sword-forging techniques passed down through generations at Youyan Manor were a fishing net, not just a fish. The nearly one hundred skilled craftsmen who had spent their lives forging swords were of immeasurable value, far beyond the worth of a few famous blades. For Beiliang, whose cavalry dominated the land, such expertise was especially precious. With the imperial court tightening its grip on salt and iron, Xu Fengnian had to plan ahead. If he could secure a large group of experienced artisans, it would equate to conserving a significant amount of iron ore.
Zhang Dongling looked stunned, then bitter. “Noble sir, to be honest, in the past couple of years, seeing that the talisman swords could not be completed, I did consider fleeing with my wife and children, living in hiding. But every time I reached Longyan incense burner, I lost the will to leave. For over 20 generations, our family has maintained this ancestral legacy. I may die, but I cannot allow our heritage to perish with me. Not to mention anything else, every Qingming Festival, future generations must come to sweep the ancestral graves, no matter how undistinguished they may be.”
Xu Fengnian nodded, not forcing the issue.
Zhang Dongling barely dared to breathe, his heroic spirit faltering, filled with guilt, feeling deeply indebted to the nobleman who sat calmly sipping his yellow wine.
Xu Fengnian smiled, “Then I shall exchange swords for swords, taking nine famous blades, including Long Xu Feng Sui.”
Zhang Chunlin was alarmed and hastily interjected, “Noble sir, take my Wugen Tian Shui sword as well. The manor will do whatever it takes, even selling everything we own, to gather a hundred swords to repay your kindness.”
Zhang Dongling laughed heartily, “That is how it should be. If noble sir finds a hundred swords too cumbersome, Youyan Manor will personally deliver them to your residence.”
Zhang Chunlin eagerly volunteered, “I can take care of this task. I have been wanting to travel the martial world and gain experience anyway.”
Xu Fengnian did not decline, lifting his gaze to look at the dashing Zhang Chunlin, “I have two carriages on this journey. One can be used to carry the hundred swords. However, Wugen Tian Shui will not be taken. A gentleman helps others achieve their desires, while a petty man takes what others cherish. Though I may not be a gentleman, I do not wish to be a petty man either. I have just managed to appear like a righteous martial hero in front of you and your lady, and I cannot let that image crumble in an instant.”
Zhang Dongling, a man of few words and a simple nature, could not help but smile at this. This noble benefactor was truly genuine. The lady of the manor, too, felt her hidden worries gradually dissipating, her expression becoming more gentle and serene. Zhang Chunlin, with his limited martial world experience, was left speechless. In the eyes of this young master, who had already gained some fame, the nobleman was a swordsman of unparalleled skill, whose words should have been free of any mundane air. Yet, he had not expected the nobleman to be so approachable.
Xu Fengnian raised his hand and asked for a sword to examine. Zhang Chunlin hurriedly offered the Feng Sui sword, prompting the two maids standing at the door to exchange amused glances. Normally, the young master was always refined and courteous, even when meeting senior martial heroes, never showing such nervousness.
Xu Fengnian drew half of the Feng Sui sword, its blade as clear and bright as a mirror. He squinted and smiled, “Earlier on the lake, a female cultivator used the finger-sword technique, said to be able to command mountains to fill the sea or oceans to destroy mountains. Your Youyan Manor values both cultivation and swordsmanship. Do you have any insights on this?”
Zhang Dongling looked puzzled, while Zhang Chunlin listened intently, not wanting to miss a single word. It was the lady of the manor who softly replied, “Noble sir may not know, but the Guanyin Sect excels in cultivation techniques. Among them, some exceptionally talented individuals can grasp fragments of the two highest martial arts realms—‘Zhi Xuan’ and ‘Tian Xiang’—a technique known as ‘Dragon Palace Treasure Hunt.’ Drawing from the Zhi Xuan realm, it is relatively simpler compared to the higher Tian Xiang realm, though still challenging. Ordinary cultivators, even if they diligently practice their entire lives without a moment’s respite, may never achieve it. It is a test of both talent and fate.
The finger-sword technique used by the woman on the lake follows the Daoist talisman sword school’s arcane dotting method. It has three levels: pointing at the heavens brings clarity, pointing at a person grants longevity, and pointing at a sword awakens its spirit. Each level is weaker than the last. That cultivator, around thirty years old, has already reached this level. If she can progress to the person-pointing stage before she turns sixty, she might reach the heaven-pointing level before she turns a hundred, seeking treasures within the Tian Xiang realm. Cultivators do not rely on physical strength but on their cultivation techniques.”
The lady hesitated for a moment, softly exhaling with a complex expression, “The leading cultivator is the sect’s elder, ‘Dishui’ Guanyin, who excels in water manipulation. Her porcelain bottle, no heavier than three taels, is said to hold up to 33,000 jin of water.”
Xu Fengnian ran his fingers along the ancient sword Feng Sui and chuckled, “It seems the cultivator was holding back.”
Zhang Chunlin snorted, “Noble sir, on the lake, you drew tens of thousands of snow swords. That old woman clearly retreated because she knew she was outmatched.”
Xu Fengnian shook his head, “All those displays, whether borrowing real swords from Youyan Manor or conjuring snow swords on the lake, were merely for intimidation. When it comes to truly injuring someone, they are nothing special.”
Zhang Chunlin was about to defend his revered swordsman, whom he regarded as a celestial being, when Xu Fengnian laughed and said, “Young master, we are about the same age. Let us call each other brothers.”
Zhang Chunlin’s mouth fell open in shock, while Zhang Dongling and his wife exchanged astonished glances, unable to believe that this young swordsman was truly in his twenties.
Since their acquaintance was still shallow, Zhang Dongling and the others did not dare to linger, rising respectfully to take their leave. Except for Wugen Tian Shui, the other famous swords were left behind. Xu Fengnian closed his eyes, recalling the finger-sword technique used by the female cultivator on the lake. He mimicked the movements on the Feng Sui sword, pointing and drawing talisman-like symbols with his breath. Unfortunately, since Feng Sui was not a talisman sword, and Xu only had the form without the essence, there was no reaction at all.
Wang Xiaoping entered the room, sat down, poured himself a cup of wine, and drank it in one gulp. He glanced sideways at the young prince, who was repeatedly practicing the finger-sword technique. In a hoarse voice, he said, “Your finger technique is correct, a true marvel of the Zhi Xuan realm. But it is useless. The Guanyin Sect has its own unique energy guidance method. Wudang claims that all inner martial arts originate from Yuzhu Mountain, and many of their secret manuals have been passed outside the mountains, word for word. Yet, why are there so few who can truly follow the correct path? Because the yin-yang dual fish lose one, and the essence is completely lost.”
Xu Fengnian nodded, then changed the subject, “Master Wang, would you like to take a sword as your Rapier?”
Wang Xiaoping did not hesitate, reaching out to grab the ancient sword Long Xu. He tapped the scabbard with his knuckles, and the wind and snow outside the courtyard abruptly ceased. Wang Xiaoping nodded approvingly, “This one will do.”
Xu Fengnian merely smiled.
Wang Xiaoping spoke in a calm tone, “How will you deal with Han Diaosi’s ambush?”
Xu Fengnian sighed, “I can only meet force with force and block water with earth.”
Wang Xiaoping shook his head, “Even with the Zhi Xuan cultivator woman Xuan Yuan Qing Feng, the ‘Instant’ spear technique of the spear immortal Wang Xiu, and the Tian Xiang realm spirit by your side, not to mention my swordplay when the time comes, you still may not escape unscathed.”
Xu Fengnian was surprised, “Is that not enough?”
Wang Xiaoping countered, “The eleventh strongest man under heaven, Wang Mingyin, died before your eyes. Do you really think these experts are not formidable? Moreover, Wang Mingyin’s position as the eleventh strongest under the Liyang Empire was merely the weakest among the top ten. Han Diaosi, however, is undeniably among the top ten strongest under heaven. He is especially skilled at using Zhi Xuan techniques to kill in the Tian Xiang realm. If Han Diaosi is willing to sacrifice his life, killing you would not be as difficult as you imagine. In the martial world’s top-tier duels, there are three types: one is sparring with Wang Xianzhi, where both parties give their all for the sake of the match; the second is when Cao Changqing, still in the Tian Xiang realm, faced Han Shengxuan, whose Zhi Xuan insights were second only to Deng Tai’a, with both holding back slightly, leaving room for retreat. The third type is a life-or-death battle, where both parties are willing to fight to the death. Han Diaosi is precisely this third type, and even the Confucian Saint Cao Changqing would find him troubling.”
Wang Xiaoping continued, his words striking like thunder, “I advise you not to let the The Crimson Robe of Shadows act recklessly when facing Han Diaosi. It can match Liu Haoshi evenly, but against Han Diaosi, it might lose half its power within fifty moves. Being skilled at using Zhi Xuan to kill in the Tian Xiang realm is no idle boast. If you allow the Shadowy beings to replenish your internal energy and engage Han Diaosi in a life-or-death battle, once the Shadowy beings is severely injured, how much better off will you be? Perhaps Han Diaosi is waiting precisely for you to make that move. At that point, even if I, Wang Xiaoping, risk my life to protect you, it will be as difficult as climbing to the heavens. In my opinion, you can only rely on her, who wields the ‘Instant’ spear, and the hidden assassins who will sacrifice their lives to deplete Han Diaosi’s energy. Then, you must hope that the woman from Huishan Mountain will fight for you with her life, and finally, leave the outcome to me, deciding it within three sword strikes. If you win, all will be well. If you lose, you must fend for yourself.”
Xu Fengnian smiled bitterly, “So this is the power of the tenth strongest person under heaven?”
Wang Xiaoping sneered, “Yang Taishui, burdened by guilt, has declined greatly over the years. Killing him alone is not a great feat. As for the fifth, Wu Mo, his Zhi Xuan technique is formidable, but compared to Han Shengxuan, who can rival Deng Tai’a in Zhi Xuan, it is still insignificant. Consider yourself unlucky. If Han Diaosi were replaced by Deng Mao, the ninth strongest under heaven, with the Tian Xiang realm Shadowy beings protecting you, it would be somewhat easier.”
Xu Fengnian closed his eyes, murmuring to himself, “Han Wu Di, the invincible man on land?”
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