Chapter 17: Sword Saint
Chapter 17: Sword Saint
Bian Ruxue won.
With one swift strike, she knocked Li Dongbai's sword out of his hand and pointed the tip of her own blade at his throat, stopping just a half-inch away.
The young man's body stiffened in shock. When he finally regained his senses, he quickly took several steps back and looked at the girl with a mix of fear and disbelief.
This unexpected turn of events left everyone stunned, all eyes on Bian Ruxue. Li Dongbai had been training here for eight years, yet he was defeated by a girl who had only been training for one. Was this the gap in talent?
Bian Ruxue withdrew her sword, a radiant smile spreading across her face. She had won.
Then, she looked up at the young man and said earnestly, "I want you to apologize to Brother Hao."
Apologize? To that waste of space? Li Dongbai snapped back to reality, his face turning bright red with shame and anger. He gritted his teeth and spat, "I admit I lost to you, but I will never apologize!"
"You..." Bian Ruxue frowned, unsure of what to do next.
After a moment, she said, "If you don't apologize, I'll challenge you again."
"Immature!"
Li Dongbai, furious, turned and ran off the platform. Feeling the gazes of the others on him, he said nothing and fled the Training Grounds.
The Military Elder did not stop the young man from leaving. Sometimes, a setback is necessary for a person to realize their own shortcomings.
What truly amazed him was the young girl. The precision of her sword strike was nearly perfect.
These were High-Grade Sword Techniques, which were notoriously difficult to master.
The Ninth-Rank War Body only granted her a faster cultivation speed, not an accelerated skill in technique. This clearly demonstrated Bian Ruxue's exceptional talent in the Sword Dao, a rare gift indeed!
"Was it just yesterday's minor defeat that unleashed her potential?" The Military Elder couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
In the arena, the Secondary Lineage disciples watched the young girl with complex expressions.
They saw not only Li Dongbai's pride being shattered but also the gap between themselves and the children from the main estate.
"Xue'er, you're really amazing."
Several children ran up to Bian Ruxue as she stepped down from the platform. They were the siblings from the Fifth and Sixth Courts, including Li Yuanzhao from the Sixth Court.
They were all the same age, with only a few months' difference. The youngest was Li Zhining, Li Yun's sister, who was just six years old and had only recently started training at the grounds.
Their older sister, Li Wushuang, had long since left the manor to train under a renowned master.
It's Brother Hao who's truly amazing... Bian Ruxue thought to herself.
The three children gathered around Bian Ruxue, chattering excitedly about the recent events. The one who spoke the most was Li Yun, Li Wushuang's younger brother.
"Xue'er, do you want to eat some Milk Flaky Cake?"
Li Yun suddenly pulled out a beautifully decorated wooden lunch box and gently opened it, releasing a rich, creamy aroma. Inside were soft, white, and fluffy pastries.
"Here, have some."
Bian Ruxue sniffed the air, her eyes sparkling with delight. "All of them?"
"Sure, take them if you like." Li Yun grinned.
"Thank you."
Bian Ruxue didn't forget to express her gratitude and took the entire box.
It was time to end the day's training. She waved goodbye, carrying the lunch box in one hand and her sword in the other, and left.
Li Yun watched her go, chuckling to himself.
Beside him, his younger sister Li Zhining lifted her face, puzzled. "Brother, wasn't that prepared by Mother for you? I haven't had any yet."
"If you want some, just ask Mother to make more. Xue'er hasn't had any either." Li Yun laughed, not taking it seriously.
Li Zhining huffed and pouted, turning away in a huff.
"Xue'er, I'll share mine with you." Li Yuanzhao, a chubby little figure, hurried over with a grin.
"I don't want it!" the little girl snapped, swatting his hand away.
...
...
In the pavilion, Li Hao was only halfway through his chess game when he heard Bian Ruxue return.
He glanced over and saw the girl's beaming smile. He already knew the answer and continued to focus on the board, placing another piece.
"What's got you so happy? Tell me, and I'll share in your joy."
"I won."
Bian Ruxue ran over to the pavilion, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she waited for praise, like a child eager for approval.
Li Hao smiled and placed another piece. "Not surprising, Xue'er. You're amazing."
Hearing this praise, the girl's smile grew even wider. "Brother Hao, you keep playing. I'll have something delicious for you later."
"Oh?"
Li Hao noticed the wooden box in her hand but didn't ask any more. He continued his game with Li Fu, quickly finishing the match.
Li Fu's chess skills were average, far from professional, which meant Li Hao could only gain one or two experience points from each game, leading to frequent bouts of frustration over the assassin's premature intervention...
"What's in the box?"
Li Hao turned around, looking at the wooden box.
Bian Ruxue placed her sword on a chair and brought the lunch box to the table, opening the lid to release the creamy aroma. "It's Milk Flaky Cake someone gave me. It looks delicious. Brother Hao, try some."
"Who sent it?" Li Hao didn't immediately take it but asked cautiously.
Bian Ruxue was taken aback, thought for a moment, and then shook her head. "I forgot to ask his name, but Brother Hao, you should know him. He's the one we often run into when we go to greet Mother in the morning."
"Those kids?" Li Hao was surprised.
Li Fu gave him a scornful look. "You're a kid too, you know."
However, he was already used to Li Hao's old-fashioned way of speaking.
"Yes." Bian Ruxue nodded.
Li Hao was slightly relieved. "You silly girl, you've been training with them in the Training Grounds for a year now. How can you not even remember their names?"
Bian Ruxue looked at him with a hint of resentment. "They never told me."
"Of course they did. Even if they didn't, the attendants would have mentioned it. You just weren't paying attention", Li Hao said irritably.
"I'll ask them next time", Bian Ruxue said, her face looking a bit downcast.
Li Hao said, "You need to be more sociable. Otherwise, you'll get bullied in the future."
"No way", Bian Ruxue lifted her head, her face showing a hint of pride. "Teacher said I have great talent and will be very powerful in the future. Then I'll protect Brother Hao, and no one will bully you anymore."
"You just focus on protecting yourself. I'm not getting bullied", Li Hao said. He spent his days in the courtyard, playing chess and taking walks, enjoying a comfortable life that felt like early retirement.
"You brat, Xue'er is showing you her sincerity, and this is how you respond", Li Fu couldn't stand it and scolded him.
Li Hao looked at him helplessly. The guy wasn't that old, only in his forties, but he acted like an old stick-in-the-mud.
Not wanting to argue, Li Hao said, "Uncle Fu, why don't you try it first? Check for poison. Although those kids aren't bad, I'm worried they might be used."
Li Fu nodded slightly and glanced at Li Hao. This kid always seemed contradictory, sometimes very meticulous and other times a bit clueless.
Taking a bite of the milk pastry, Li Fu closed his eyes.
After a moment, Li Hao, growing impatient, asked, "How is it? It should be fine, right? Say something, Uncle Fu."
"It's quite good", Li Fu opened his eyes and said.
Li Hao rolled his eyes and immediately told Bian Ruxue, "Hurry up and eat it before it gets cold."
He also took a piece and tried it. The taste was indeed good. "It's a bit like Fifth Lady's cooking. Is the one who sent it Li Yun or his sister Li Zhining?"
"It's the brother", Bian Ruxue could still tell the difference between brother and sister.
"Next time, tell that kid to bring more. This amount isn't enough for anyone", Li Hao quickly finished his share but left the other half for Bian Ruxue.
"Yes", Bian Ruxue nodded and made a mental note.
Li Fu shook his head from the side. How could this kid, so young, have such a shameless demeanor? It was quite different from the solemn and dignified style of the Li family.
...
...
A few days later, the Divine General Manor suddenly welcomed a distinguished guest.
The manor was abuzz with excitement, and the ladies from various courtyards rushed to pay their respects upon receiving the news. They learned that the guest was from the Sword Hut.
If they could form a connection and have their children become disciples under him, their future would be bright.
Among them, the concubines were the most proactive. Their children couldn't match the resources of the Main Lineage, so they had to fight for every advantage.
He Jianlan received the guest in the Changchun Courtyard. Seeing the frequent movement of women outside, she understood their intentions. She didn't blame them but was surprised when she heard what the legendary Sword Saint had to say.
After a brief conversation, He Jianlan nodded slightly and stood up to accompany him out.
Soon, the Mountain and River Courtyard was bustling with activity as a large group of people arrived.
Li Hao, who was playing chess in the pavilion, heard the commotion and was surprised. He then saw Mother leading the way, with an old man with long white hair beside her.
The old man had sharp eyebrows and prominent cheekbones, giving him a strong and lean appearance.
Beside the unfamiliar old man was another elder, the Military Elder from the Training Grounds, whom Li Hao had met a few times and knew well.
"What's going on?" Li Hao was puzzled.
Li Fu, sitting opposite him, saw the white-haired old man and his pupils dilated. He quickly stood up, startled.
Feeling both shocked and suddenly excited, Li Hao rarely saw Uncle Fu so agitated. He immediately understood that the unfamiliar old man was a significant figure, but there weren't many people who could receive such treatment from the Li family.
Looking at the unfinished chess game, Li Hao felt a bit frustrated but had no choice but to put it aside and wait quietly.
"Li Fu."
He Jianlan saw Li Fu and gently waved him over, then called to Li Hao, "Hao'er, come over here."
Li Hao had no choice but to stand up and walk over.
"Where's Xue'er?" He Jianlan asked.
Li Hao pointed to another part of the courtyard. "She's practicing her sword there."
"Xue Jian, go fetch Xue'er", He Jianlan instructed the attendant by her side.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
