Chapter 6: Setting Out

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. The Gate of the Divine Sword was now open. There was no one who studied swordsmanship who did not know of the Divine Sword Sect. Both the Divine Sword Sect and the Sword Sect resided in the Southern Domain; their relationship, to be precise, was one of mutual accomplishment. There was even a legend about these two great sects: the founder of the Divine Sword Sect loved Xi Tongshen but could not win his heart, so he turned away and established the Divine Sword Sect. Since he could not surpass that man in swordsmanship, he sought to become unrivaled in sword forging. Yet, after so many years, the Divine Sword Sect’s forging techniques had not advanced. Today, when people spoke of the greatest sword-forging art in the realm, they referred to the Qingyang Sword Pavilion beside the Grand Jin Pass.

The Divine Sword Sect’s reputation was largely due to its location. Every few decades, a divine sword would be born in their Sword Pool. Yes, the divine swords of the Divine Sword Sect were naturally formed, not forged by human hands—a fact even the founder could never have anticipated.

Each time a divine sword appeared, it was an event of enormous significance to the masters across the land. The Divine Sword Sect believed that these swords possessed their own spirits; when their time came, their rightful owner would appear. If the sword did not select you this time, it mattered little; you could still bring your own sword to the sect for reinforcement, which was a worthwhile opportunity.

Whenever it came to inviting the Sword Sect, with whom they shared deep ties, the Divine Sword Sect always extended the grandest invitation. Yet this year, something seemed amiss. “Sword Emperor, surely you must be joking? The Sect Leader heard days ago that you finally succeeded in forging the Hun Tian Wuji Divine Sword. He thought, after all these years, at last, he could meet you. But now you send a young girl in your place—can this possibly be appropriate?”

The guest disciple could not understand how Jia Shangtong, the Sword Emperor, could be so negligent about such a matter. The Sect Leader always treated others with utmost respect, never allowing the slightest carelessness. Yet the Sword Emperor would claim his divine arts were incomplete, or that he was too busy with important matters, always unable to attend. Now, with his divine arts accomplished, he still sends a mere girl—this is disrespectful. Even if the Sect Leader cared little, his disciples could not tolerate it.

“I appreciate your Sect Leader’s kindness, but my subordinate Yue Gujin has just returned after years away. As his sect master, shouldn’t I take this opportunity to see him properly? That’s all I’ll say. As for whether this young girl is qualified, you’ll soon find out.”

Ji Anran, her face bare and unadorned, wore a simple crimson robe and deerskin boots. The plain attire, matched with her exquisite beauty, made her the most captivating presence in everyone’s heart, impossible to look away from. The guest disciple, though proud of his discernment, realized that none of the remarkable women he’d ever seen could compare to her, and suddenly felt a stir of affection. Yet, to Ji Anran, such feelings meant nothing.

“Let me give you a word of advice: do not harbor any thoughts toward this girl. Otherwise, your fate will be a miserable one. That’s all I’ll say; how you act is your own affair. But if anything happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you. There are many beautiful women, but not all of them are meant to be admired.”

“Are we leaving?” Ji Anran’s voice inside the carriage was cold and devoid of warmth. Though she uttered but three words, each carried an overwhelming strength. Only then did the guest disciple realize that this woman possessed not only unparalleled beauty but also formidable skill, for the Sword Sect’s master valued her highly.

Indeed, she was extraordinary. With the Jade adjusting the chill within her, the seven days had finally suppressed the cold poison. Now, even if a fight was required, she would handle it effortlessly.

The carriage was spacious, with soft floral carpets, plush pillows, and delicious food. Clearly, her mouth would not be idle on this journey.

“My master worries you might find the journey uncomfortable, so he sent me to attend you,” said a young maid, delicate and pretty, entering the carriage with downcast eyes, not daring to look at Ji Anran. She knew her own looks could not compare, and the girl before her, though younger, possessed an astonishing aura she had never seen in her life.

“Thank you,” Ji Anran accepted the gesture, knowing it was well-intended and did not refuse. She soon leaned back and fell asleep, her breathing soft and long, barely audible.

Green Bamboo, the young maid, gazed at Ji Anran’s perfect features and, for the first time, felt inferior. In the Divine Sword Sect, Green Bamboo’s looks were well regarded, and many whispered she would find a perfect match. She was confident in her beauty—until now. Before Ji Anran, she felt like the ugliest woman in the world.

The same simple clothes on Ji Anran exuded an indescribable nobility, while on herself, they seemed merely ordinary.

“Do you think yourself lacking? Do you find me attractive? Hmph, looks only matter when you have found your beloved; before that, they mean nothing. Why act so meek? I dislike it. Since we’ve met, consider us friends.”

Green Bamboo had never heard such words. In her experience, beautiful women were proud, yet Ji Anran was indifferent, even calling her beauty a mere thing. She was the first.

“If you are attractive, others will look at you, perhaps even be moved. But have you considered? If you are beautiful today, and tomorrow your face is ruined, will those who professed love still love you? Hmph, people only value appearances. There are countless beautiful women, many far more attractive than I. So, do you still think I am beautiful?”

Ji Anran knew Liang Xi was different. Her brother had never shown astonishment at her looks; it was as if this was simply how she should be.

Though young, Ji Anran’s words were shocking. Green Bamboo’s feelings of inferiority and even resentment vanished—now, Ji Anran seemed to glow softly in her eyes.

“In all my life, no one has ever said this to me. You are the first, and surely the last. I long to be someone like you. Do you think I could ever be the next you?”

Ji Anran felt her purpose was not to seek the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword, but to enlighten Green Bamboo. How could she answer such a profound question? She was so young herself. She chose not to answer, and instead enjoyed the comfort of the carriage. The journey from Sword Sect to Divine Sword Sect would take three days, with a stop at Gale Fort for supplies—a place long friendly with the Divine Sword Sect.

It was said the fort’s master was from the Divine Sword Sect, but after so many years, Gale Fort had become independent. “The scenery here is wonderful, Miss. After Gale Fort, we enter Divine Sword Sect’s territory. The sect has existed for many years and produced many divine weapons. This time, the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword is said to have absorbed all the power of the Sword Pool. It rose and may fall because of it. Such a thing is not impossible.”

Ji Anran took heed—perhaps this would be the last divine sword of the Divine Sword Sect. If so, it would be a great pity that such a splendid place should be destroyed by a single sword.

“Green Bamboo, if you’re hungry, go eat. I need to rest now. I dislike the aura of Gale Fort. There must have been many villains here.”

Whether villains had appeared, Green Bamboo did not know, but the place’s reputation was poor. “If so, I’ll leave you to rest. If you don’t wish to see these people, there’s no need. With your looks, you’ll surely cause a stir in Gale Fort.”

Ji Anran feared no trouble—but she disliked unnecessary complications. Though she loved combat, she loathed nuisance.

Brother, if only you were by my side now, everything would be so much better. Do you know, I am about to enter the Divine Sword Sect? It’s said every blade born here is priceless, and everyone says the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword has mysterious, tremendous power. If I see it today, I must obtain it. Brother, I miss you so much.

Originally, I thought leaving you would make me better, but now, the longer I am apart, the deeper my longing for you grows. It seems you’ve quietly taken root in my heart.

“Who’s in that carriage? Why enter Gale Fort and not show yourself? Hmph, such arrogance! I have stood here for years, yet never seen such audacious guests. Whoever you are, you must obey my rules when in Gale Fort. No one is exempt!”

Gale Wind was the master of Gale Fort. He knew what was said outside—that he was a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, which was true. The sect had bestowed great teachings upon him; his achievements were thanks to them. Yet over the years, he had mastered not the sword, but the blade.

“Hu—”

Gale Wind struck, and the splendid carriage shattered instantly. “How crude. I only wished to rest—was that so difficult?”

Ji Anran stepped out slowly, her peerless beauty stunning all, Gale Wind included, who felt a wave of admiration. “Ha ha ha, this is indeed an unexpected delight! Such a beautiful girl comes to my fort, and as master, I am the last to know. I have decided—you shall be mine. Whether you agree or not, it matters nothing. In Gale Fort, I am the heavens. If you doubt, try me.”

Ji Anran knew this would be the outcome; since it could not be changed, she would face it. “Let’s fight. If you defeat me, I will do as you wish; if not, you must pay the price.”

“Haha, little girl, how arrogant! Well, to duel a beauty like you is a pleasure! Miss, be careful—witness my Gale Wind Blade Technique!”

Gale Wind’s long blade swept down—the opening move, Falling Leaves. It appeared slow but contained the essence of the Gale Wind Blade. If someone mastered this move, they mastered the whole technique. Though slow, it struck with heavy force—the essence of the art.

Falling Leaves began slow, then sped up, finally, man and blade blurred into a fierce whirlwind. Gale Wind knew only his blade art, but in martial arts, the most dangerous are those who have perfected a single skill, honing it for decades until it is unmatched.

Ji Anran was amazed—this unremarkable man possessed such formidable skill. Winning would take effort, but she cared little. She raised her delicate hands, and her aura grew sharp. She moved—Fragrant Beauty Step paired with Beauty’s Hand to unleash the greatest power.

Left hand plucked leaves, right hand scattered flowers—her movements were graceful beyond compare. Gale Wind’s blade, though fierce, was ineffective against her plucking motion. How could her hands withstand such a sharp attack?

Palms and figures flickered; Gale Wind’s blade relied on strength, needing deep internal power for full effect. The plucking of Beauty’s Hand relied on kneading, pushing, and turning, always keeping the opponent’s moves at bay. Of ten parts strength, only three could be used, the rest wasted.

Over time, fatigue would set in. “Little brat, what technique is this? Always dodging—are you so afraid you dare not fight? I misjudged you. Such a flower cannot defeat me; it seems you’ll stay here today.”

Ji Anran dared not fight fiercely, lest the cold poison she had suppressed with Jade resurge. Thus, she used only the plucking move.

“Bang, bang, bang!”

Three fierce finger strikes hammered Gale Wind’s blade; despite his deep and powerful skill, he was shaken, his blood surging.

Beauty’s Hand, created by Master Hua Lian, was a supreme skill. Even if Ji Anran knew nothing else, with diligent practice, she would become a top master.

Plucking Leaves was the opening move, the essence of all Beauty’s Hand techniques, with thousands of variations if thoroughly explored. Gale Wind could not comprehend it. “How was that, Miss? Since you are a famed hero, breaking my move should be easy. Yet your momentum is weaker now. Why? I think it’s because your own strength is lacking!”

“Don’t stop now. If you defeat me, I will stay and become your fort mistress. Why hesitate? Are you afraid? It seems your skill ends here!”

The battle astonished the crowd—who was this beautiful woman? Gale Wind was a renowned figure, with countless slain by his blade. Was he moved by her beauty?

If so, it was truly amusing—Gale Wind was never so soft.

“Gale Wind, what are you doing? With your skill, you should not be so weak. You used to be unbeatable among us. Has your power faded after years of inactivity?”

Laughter echoed. Gale Wind now dared not underestimate Ji Anran. She was not only beautiful, but terrifyingly skilled. In fact, so far, she had not fought seriously, using only the plucking move. Was she looking down on him?

The cold poison had long lingered in Ji Anran; a little activity would be good.

“No need for ridicule. If any feel capable, step forward. If not, watch. Today, I will make this beautiful girl stay!”

“Little brat, dare you fight me elsewhere? I know your strength well now, but you may not know mine. Rest assured, since this is a rare opportunity, I will show you why, within dozens of miles of Gale Fort, no one dares provoke me!”

“If you wish to incite my wrath, you have succeeded.” Had it been Liang Xi speaking, Ji Anran would accept, but the man before her was ugly—not in appearance, but in aura, which repulsed her.

“Shoo!”

“If you dare, follow me!” Gale Wind’s movement was astonishingly swift for his burly frame. Ji Anran was unafraid; if he wished to be a scoundrel, she would respond with ruthless force.

In moments, they reached the summit of Gale Fort, a vast platform. “Brat, on my turf, you dare act so boldly? Fine, today I will defeat you before all, and show you the consequences of offending me. Here, you have no chance of turning the tables!”

“You saw the Falling Leaves earlier. The second move is Gale Wind, with speed as its core. Be careful, Miss.” Ji Anran was wary—since he revealed his moves, he did not fear her breaking them. Even if she did, he would not allow it.

“So he’s finally using Gale Wind? Its fame is largely due to this move—swift as wind, thunderous as lightning. Now, this beautiful girl may truly be in trouble.” Green Bamboo hadn’t expected, after a brief absence, the situation would change so drastically. She never imagined that Ji Anran would possess skill equal to the fort master!

To force him to use the second move was remarkable. Yet Ji Anran still used Plucking Leaves and Scattering Flowers. “You saw Plucking Leaves, now witness Scattering Flowers. Old man, you are skilled, but this is your limit. You lack the power to keep me here.”

Ji Anran’s voice chilled, her aura strengthened. Her true energy formed silver needles, circling her fingers. Scattering Flowers was a peerless hidden weapon technique; when fully unleashed, none could match it.

“Shoo, shoo, shoo!”

Countless silver needles whistled like a storm. Only Scattering Flowers could unleash such powerful hidden weapons in an instant.

“What technique is this? Are there hidden weapon arts as beautiful as this? Her talent is astonishing—who is she, and what skills has she yet to reveal?”

“A magnificent Scattering Flowers. Your moves are extraordinary. All these years, I’ve longed for a worthy opponent. You see, those below can only watch; none possess true skill. I’m troubled by this—perhaps I am simply too powerful, and so have lacked challengers. Now you are here, I can finally have a proper duel!”

Their auras soared to the extreme; until now, they had been probing, but from this point, everything could be settled. In Green Bamboo’s eyes, Ji Anran had become her lifelong goal—though younger, Ji Anran’s experiences were unattainable for her. Yet, so what? If she began pursuing now, perhaps one day she could match her.

“Bang, bang, bang!”

The two masters now fought with full force. Ji Anran’s delicate hands caught the blade, the clash ringing like metal. Her intent was simple—to master Beauty’s Hand and not disgrace her teacher.

The power of Beauty’s Hand could only be understood by experiencing it. The moves were simple, but Gale Wind’s exceptional ability still could not counter them. Was he truly about to lose?

“Master, you see now—your aura is unstable. If you fight with full force, you might be the one to die, and your skills would need a worthy successor. If not, and you die, it would be a pity. Why not consider your next step, then we can continue? We have no grievances; this duel is more for exchange. You are a fine opponent, I believe.”

“If I lose a rival like you, I will surely feel lonely.” Gale Wind understood why Ji Anran had used only one move—she was poisoned. “Hmph, no need for excuses. I know it’s because you are poisoned that you stick to one move. If you were at your peak, I wouldn’t last ten moves.”

Gale Wind knew his abilities well. He realized he had given all he had in this duel; if it continued, he would surely die.

“Haha, I lost this battle. Go. But remember, next time, I will not let you go. You are right—my skills have lacked a worthy heir. I thought you had potential, but my blade art clashes with your Water Source Sect techniques. If you forced it, it would do you no good.”

“Miss, you are remarkable—so young and recognized by the Water Lord. As his apprentice, I must treat you well. My earlier words were nonsense; just pretend nothing happened.”

The duel ended swiftly. Gale Wind respected the strong, especially the young and talented. “You all saw it—I lost. I always believed I was among the strongest, but now, I see I was a frog in a well. I respect this young lady and wish to treat her well. Any objections? If not, let’s act—let all see the speed of Gale Fort.”

The tense atmosphere dissolved into camaraderie, which all welcomed. “We have no objections. We witnessed the young lady’s skill; had it been us, we wouldn’t have lasted so long. Rest here tonight, Miss, and tomorrow head to Divine Sword Sect. There, you’ll face even fiercer battles. If you lack strength, how will you cope?”

Ji Anran truly needed rest. Though her skill improved from the battle, the conditions were never equal. At Divine Sword Sect, who knew what awaited her? No matter what, she would claim the Heavenly Fire Divine Sword. With it, the Sword Sect in the Southern Domain would not dare trouble her.

As for those people, she felt no affection. “Green Bamboo, what’s with that look? Do you think I’ll lose? You should know, in any battle, if I give my all, even if not victorious, I will not lose. I am confident in that.”

“Miss, I have only one thought—I must become someone like you. How did you learn your skills? If I start now, is it too late?”

Ji Anran could not answer. It seemed she had truly inspired Green Bamboo, who now insisted on becoming her equal. Yet Ji Anran’s own past was bleak; without her brother, she was no better than Green Bamboo. But who would believe that now?

“If you are determined, you can achieve it in time. But does this place have a pool? I haven’t eaten on this journey.”

“Haha, no need to worry—the food is ready. Today, I am truly delighted. Tell me your story; I have two passions—martial arts and listening to others’ tales. Perhaps I can help you one day. You must know, my final passion is helping you. I find you pleasing, so I wish to help. Others may not have such privilege.”

Gale Wind, once he considered you a friend, was easy to get along with. Yet he had few friends, mostly because of his arrogance. Arrogant people rarely have friends, but when they do, those bonds are for life.

Like Ji Anran now—she was unsure how to deal with such enthusiastic people. If they were cold, it would be easier; but he was so warm, and her brother was absent.

“Master, you jest. I am fifteen. How could a fifteen-year-old girl have experiences worthy of such attention? I don’t know myself. Truly, there’s not much to tell. Let’s save our curiosity and eat.”

Seeing Ji Anran unwilling to share, the others fell silent. After all, it was her business; if she wished to speak, they would listen, but they could not force her.

That night, Gale Fort became a place of celebration. Ji Anran preferred quiet solitude, gazing at the moon, feeling her brother’s presence nearby. At such moments, she easily lost herself in her world—a place no one could intrude upon.

The next day, they set out again for Divine Sword Sect. “Miss, go forth with confidence. Should trouble arise, I will help you. That is my promise. If I give my word, I will keep it.”

Gale Wind never promised lightly, but once he did, he always kept it. Ji Anran was deeply grateful—how had she earned such kindness from a stranger? Was it only her strength? But there were many strong people in the world—did he help all of them?

Of course not. People are drawn by fate. Gale Wind knew this beautiful girl already had someone she loved, and his actions were not for love, but because he felt it was right. He visited Divine Sword Sect yearly anyway; if someone acted blindly, he would settle it as needed.

“You all heard—none of us have acted in years. I know you’ve been waiting for the right chance. Now it has come. Will you join me at Divine Sword Sect?”

“Boss, of course! I hear Divine Sword Sect has grown arrogant lately, squandering the old friendship and now calling you a traitor. It’s laughable. We’ve traveled the world, but never seen such hypocrisy. It’s time to teach them a lesson; otherwise, their arrogance will only grow.”

These disciples, trained by Gale Wind, had similar temperaments. “Good, since we agree, it’s decided. We’ll follow in secret. With Ji Anran’s skill, those petty sect members are no match. But they are always plotting—who knows what they’ll do? Let’s move now.”

On the carriage, Ji Anran rested, aware that Green Bamboo watched her constantly. She now held great weight in the woman’s heart. “Green Bamboo, you want to be like me? Then I’ll tell you how I became what I am. I grew up in constant battle; every morning, I fought. Over time, I became numb.”

“Yes, I am weary of such days. Even so, do you insist on becoming like me? You should become your true self. I cannot help you beyond this. Remember, in martial arts, you must choose what you love. Only then will you grow strong.”