Chapter 18: A Rare Talent
Chapter 18: A Rare Talent
"Sword Saint Senior, this is Tian Gang's child, Li Hao."
While the maidservant went to call Bian Ruxue, He Jianlan introduced the child to the white-haired elder beside him: "To tell you the truth, Hao'er's name was bestowed by Emperor Yu. What do you think of this child?"
At the mention of Emperor Yu, the white-haired elder glanced at the woman and instantly understood her ulterior motives. He felt a bit displeased but said nothing, instead examining the child before him.
Li Hao also looked up at the elder.
When he heard his mother address the old man, he was somewhat surprised and realized why Uncle Fu had reacted so strongly.
Earlier, while flipping through the Chess Manual in the Rain Listening Pavilion, he had come across some interesting stories and great figures from the martial world.
Among the martial figures recorded in the last hundred years, only three were known as Sword Saints.
One resided in the Southern Sword Hut, another had retired in the Yellow Sand Green Lake of the Northern Desert, and the third was as elusive as a dragon.
All three were masters of the sword, their prowess known throughout the world, and they were revered as Sword Saints.
The debate over which of the three Sword Saints was the strongest had been a topic of discussion among enthusiasts for nearly a century.
His third uncle, who had an extremely high talent in the Sword Dao, had split half of Jingzhou's martial world and the demon forest with a single strike but had still not earned the title of Sword Saint. This gave Li Hao a sense of the old man's formidable strength.
He wondered which of the three this old man might be.
Their eyes met, and Li Hao immediately saw the deeply hidden, profound sword intent in the elder's gaze.
This sword intent was concealed beneath his calm, dark eyes. If it weren't for Li Hao's Second Stage Sword Dao comprehension, he wouldn't have been able to perceive it.
"I heard that Tian Gang's child failed in Foundation Building and Blood Dissolution, and has no talent in the Martial Dao?"
Jian Wudao looked down at the child with a faint, indifferent expression. To the world, the Qilin Child of the Divine General Manor was an extremely noble existence, second only to the imperial heir. But in his eyes, the child was nothing special, and he saw no need to put on a pleasant face for a mere child.
He Jianlan's face stiffened slightly, and he nodded.
"That's correct. That's why I want you, Sword Saint Senior, to take a look and see if this child has any talent for the sword. If he can cultivate his body and practice the sword in the future, it would also be a way for him to serve the country and guard a region for Dayu."
At the mention of "guarding a region", Jian Wudao's eyes flickered, and his gaze softened slightly.
Given his status, he didn't need to concern himself with the thoughts of the younger generation of the Li family, especially when the older generation was still around. However, the Li family's centuries of achievements were truly admirable. In the past few decades, the Border Pass had occasionally seen conflict, and six of the Li family's nine sons had died in battle. This alone was enough to command respect!
"Let's take a look together later", Jian Wudao said calmly.
He Jianlan was delighted and nodded.
Soon, Bian Ruxue was brought to the group by Xue Jian. The little girl looked at the crowd of adults and clearly felt nervous.
She instinctively stood behind Li Hao, using him to shield half of her body.
She had seen this scene before, when Li Hao was undergoing Foundation Building and Bone Measurement. But the looks from these adults later on had made her feel sad.
"Sword Saint Senior, this is the Sword Dao prodigy I mentioned to you through Bai Jing."
As Bian Ruxue approached, the Military Elder stepped forward and respectfully said.
Jian Wudao nodded slightly. He had come primarily because of his third disciple's persistent requests, who had spoken highly of the little girl from the Divine General Manor. He had a love for talent, which was why he had left the Sword Hut to see her in this prosperous era.
"Power Mastery Tenth Level, complete, and robust bones. Not bad."
Jian Wudao immediately recognized the girl's cultivation level and showed a satisfied expression. Upon hearing that she had a Ninth-Rank War Body, he knew she had exceptional talent and would not need much guidance in her future cultivation.
"Little girl, show me your best sword techniques", Jian Wudao said.
Bian Ruxue looked at the unfamiliar and authoritative old man, feeling nervous. She instinctively glanced at Li Hao.
Li Hao understood that Xue'er's opportunity had arrived. He immediately smiled and pushed her forward, saying, "Don't be afraid, don't be nervous. I'm right here with you."
Encouraged by Li Hao, Bian Ruxue's timidity dissipated significantly, and she nodded. The young girl stepped to the side, and the others, without needing He Jianlan to gesture, automatically made room for the little girl.
Soon, Bian Ruxue's Sword Techniques flowed out, like snow and waterfalls, her movements as light and graceful as a startled swan. Her Sword Techniques were proficient and agile, with a touch of simplicity and authenticity.
This nuance was immediately captured by Jian Wudao, who had immersed himself in the Sword Dao for nearly a century. The old man's sharp, narrow eyes, like the edge of a sword, suddenly widened, revealing uncontainable joy.
This was not just a talent in the Sword Dao; it was a rare genius, one that appeared only once in a hundred years!
At her age, to perfect a High-Grade Sword Technique was already enough to rival his most outstanding disciples, let alone the fact that she now exuded a touch of the Ultimate's essence.
A world-class sword practitioner in the making!
"Ha ha ha..." Jian Wudao couldn't help but laugh heartily, his booming voice shaking the withered leaves from the nearby trees.
It was worth it, more than worth it!
This trip to the mortal world had not been in vain.
The people around them, hearing the Sword Saint's loud laughter, immediately knew the little girl's fate. From this moment on, her life would take off.
Although she was already esteemed and envied in the Divine General Manor, meeting a master like the Sword Saint truly marked her ascent to the peak. She had a future of becoming a household name, a legend that would last for ten generations!
In an instant, countless complex gazes from the courtyard converged on the young girl with the sword.
Bian Ruxue stopped her sword, feeling the eyes on her, and nervously looked at Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled at her, showing his teeth, and gave her a thumbs up.
Bian Ruxue understood what this meant—a sign of praise. She relaxed and smiled in relief.
"You recommended her well, very well!"
Jian Wudao, who had been stern and exuded an aura of authority, now laughed heartily, patting the shoulder of the Military Elder. If it weren't for his old acquaintance with the elder and his third disciple's strong recommendation, he wouldn't have stumbled upon such a world-class sword prodigy.
"Senior, you are too kind. It is Xue'er's good fortune to be able to study under the Sword Saint", the Military Elder said, feeling both honored and intimidated.
Though they appeared similar in age, both being around sixty, the actual age and status gap between them was vast.
Jian Wudao smiled, feeling extremely pleased. He walked up to the young girl, bent down, and said kindly, "Little girl, do you like swords? Would you like to come with me and practice?"
Bian Ruxue was a bit stunned and asked, "Where?"
"The Sword Hut."
Jian Wudao smiled, revealing the holy land that every swordsman aspired to, and said, "I will teach you swordsmanship there and give you the best sword techniques."
Bian Ruxue didn't understand and asked, "Is it far?"
"It's about nine thousand miles to the south. For you, it will be quite a journey", Jian Wudao said with a smile.
Bian Ruxue immediately looked at Li Hao, who was not far away, and asked, "Brother Hao, will you come with us?"
Jian Wudao then realized he had forgotten about another child.
He Jianlan walked over at the right time, smiling calmly, and said, "Senior Sword Saint, you also forgot to check Hao'er's Sword Dao talent. I heard he has a good sense of the Sword Dao."
"Yes, Senior."
Beside them, Li Fu, feeling excited, quickly added, "When Xue'er practices, the young master often watches and gives her some good suggestions. I think the young master, though untrained, has his own understanding and talent for the Sword Dao."
Jian Wudao was a bit surprised, glanced at Li Hao, and his brows furrowed slightly. But with He Jianlan present, he immediately said, "Fine, give him a sword and let him demonstrate a few moves. Any Sword Move will do."
"Thank you, Senior Sword Saint!"
Li Fu was overjoyed and thanked him, then turned to Bian Ruxue and said, "Miss Xue'er, please lend your sword to the young master."
Bian Ruxue nodded obediently and handed her sword to Li Hao.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
