Chapter 11: Reunion at the Sword Pool

Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen arrived outside the Divine Sword Sect, and the sight before them was shocking beyond words. The mountain gate had clearly suffered the aftermath of a fierce battle—half of it lay in ruins. "Brother Yuanhui, let’s go look right now," Gu Zhenzhen urged, her heart heavy with worry. After such a deadly clash, how was Sister Anran? Had her cold poison been cured?

The two moved swiftly, crossing the threshold in a flash. Once inside the Divine Sword Sect, Liang Xi felt the murderous aura grow denser, and not far off, the sound of true energy clashing resonated.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

“Sword Three, surely you believe me now? My cultivation has far surpassed yours. What was impossible before is now within my grasp,” Shang Lvxin declared, his sword energy swirling thickly around him. Despite this, he appeared somewhat disheveled—a man known for his fastidiousness, now unable to care about such things. He sensed two powerful auras suddenly outside the gate. Whether friend or foe, only time would tell. If they were allies, no concern; if not, trouble indeed.

“Since you are here, why not show yourself? Hiding is no act of heroism. If you’re a friend, let us meet; if an enemy, let us fight!” Shang Lvxin’s words brimmed with bravado, his aura reaching its peak, ready for a two-on-one confrontation. Today, even if he died, he would let no one pass. The Skyfire Divine Sword was about to be born—at this crucial moment, no mishaps could be allowed.

“Haha, since I’m here, naturally I’m a friend. Were I your enemy, you’d already be dead. Even a new friend is still a friend. It seems my guess was right—you truly endured an astonishing battle. Was the destruction at the gate your doing?” Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen soon arrived, and Shang Lvxin felt a familiar presence, understanding now that Anran’s sword aura came from her connection with this man.

“If you’re a friend, then enter. The ruined gate is not my handiwork—it was Anran and the sect master’s doing. They’re at the Sword Pool now; you may go. Tell me, did you encounter any obstacles on your way?” Shang Lvxin inquired.

Liang Xi felt the same—the speaker was steeped in sword energy, united with his aura. Anyone who mastered such unity was surely a friend. “Thank you for your concern, elder. We came for Ji Anran. Knowing she is unharmed puts us at ease. As for obstacles, we truly encountered none.”

“You brat, whoever you are, I’ve said it before—anyone who has learned unity with sword energy must die today. It seems Ji Anran, who just left, is your beloved, isn’t she? Otherwise, why are you so nervous?”

“Whoosh!”

Sword Three saw only a blur, and in an instant, the newcomer was before him, hands resting on his shoulders. Liang Xi’s voice was icy: “Was it you who bullied my beautiful Ji?”

Even now, the newcomer dared to be so arrogant. In Sword City, no one had ever shown Sword Three disrespect—who did this youth think he was?

Liang Xi smiled, his smile strikingly handsome. “I know what you two are thinking, though you don’t say it. The me that passed by earlier was merely a condensed sword aura, not even a tenth of my true self in cultivation or insight. I did this only to quickly learn Ji’s whereabouts. Now that I know, I can reclaim that sword aura—and as for you, you no longer need to exist!”

Suddenly, Sword Three saw his left arm wither and shrivel in an instant, shocking everyone present. What kind of technique was this?

“This technique is the first chapter of the Earth Volume of the Lingyun Codex—‘Ephemeral Splendor in the Fierce Sun.’ It can instantly absorb the opponent’s vitality. The Sun chapter’s main power is time stasis, and this is my first time using it. Old man, you’re lucky to experience its might firsthand.”

“My master warned me that ‘Ephemeral Splendor’ is too powerful—never to use it unless absolutely necessary. Overuse would surely cause problems later. I’ve remembered that always. But you are different. If I don’t cripple you, who knows what you might do. Now, you age in an instant—this is the best punishment for you.”

Sword Three never imagined that his formidable cultivation would be reduced to nothing, leaving him an old, feeble man. How could he accept it? Yet, what could he do? Bereft of all power, a man who had lived arrogantly thanks to his strength now faced dangers he could no longer fend off.

“Elder Shang, I know you have much to say to me. Once I see Anran and know she’s truly well, I’ll share everything I know with you.”

“Whoosh!” The sword aura from earlier was absorbed by Liang Xi, thanks to the foundation of the Lingyun Codex. Shang Lvxin agreed readily, “Good, I’ll wait for you. Rest assured, the Skyfire Divine Sword will certainly go to that young lady, as promised to the Sword Sect.”

Sword Sect? Could it be the Southern Sword Sect? Ji Anran is indeed remarkable—wherever she goes, she earns respect. Though he didn’t know what happened here, it seemed the Sword Sect needed Ji, making things much easier.

Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen were deeply grateful to Shang Lvxin. “Elder, you may now rest. As for this man,” Liang Xi gestured to Sword Three collapsed on the ground, “his cultivation is gone, and the vitality I took will serve greater purposes.”

Seeing Sword Three now, Shang Lvxin felt a twinge of pity, but recalling his previous deeds, that rare sympathy vanished. “Sword Three, did you ever think this day would come? I warned you—after so many wrongs, someone would deal with you. Judging by your expression, have you no regret? People like you shouldn’t exist in this world.”

“Haha, Shang Lvxin, do you think your words frighten me? Even in this state, I am Sword Three. You people want me to submit? Impossible! The city lord has gone—though Ji Anran and Green Bamboo are formidable, facing the city lord, they stand no chance. Pity, I won’t live to see it.”

Sword Three finally exhausted his last ounce of strength. The arrogant man, bitterly unwilling, died with many things left undone, but no further chance.

“Zhenzhen, let’s go,” Liang Xi said, wasting no more words. He took Gu Zhenzhen’s hand, and with a few bounds, vanished. Shang Lvxin watched them leave, his face full of satisfaction. Brother, your skills finally have a successor—how happy I am. I know you never wished to see me, believing I failed to protect you in years past. It was my mistake; when all is settled, I will make it right.

The Sword Pool was a vast crater, crescent-shaped. At its center, steam rose, and a huge whirlpool formed in the once-calm waters. Drawing closer, Liang Xi saw the beautiful silhouette he had longed for; seeing Ji Anran safe, he was relieved.

Beside Ji Anran stood a girl in green, likely the sect master Green Bamboo. “Junior Liang Xi greets the Divine Sword Sect master.”

“Oh!” The sudden greeting startled Ji Anran and Green Bamboo. Turning, they saw a handsome young man smiling at Ji Anran, while the girl beside him darted into Ji Anran’s arms like a fledgling returned home. Green Bamboo knew Ji Anran was an unmatched beauty, but hadn’t expected even women to be utterly captivated.

“Sister Anran, seeing you well at last, I’m truly relieved. You don’t know how worried Brother Yuanhui was on the way here—his face was so grave, only now has he relaxed. He feared, if your cold poison lingered and you met a formidable enemy, what would happen?”

“Zhenzhen, you needn’t say it—I know. Brother has always been this way. Now that I see you, I’m very happy too. After this time of rest, your power has recovered much. I’ve worried about you as well. Since you’re here, stay a while; if you wish to leave, we’ll leave together.”

“Brother, I knew you’d come in the end,” Ji Anran said with confidence.

Liang Xi smiled, “Yes, yes. In this world, only you, Ji the Great Beauty, are the cleverest. Now that I’m here, I won’t let anyone harm you. But what can I do now?”

“What? Naturally, you must protect me. Why else would you come? Don’t tell me you’re here just to enjoy the scenery.”

Her reproach held a playful charm—this was the real Ji Anran, no longer cold and distant. Liang Xi replied, “No scenery is as lovely as a beauty’s smile.”

Ji Anran blushed, raising her hand to strike, but when her palm touched Liang Xi’s face, it became a gentle caress. “Brother, always with your nonsense, never earnest. I worry Zhenzhen, if she stays with you, might learn your bad habits.”

“Sister Anran, you’re wrong. Look how well Brother Yuanhui speaks! If it were me, I’d never manage such words. Brother Yuanhui, your tongue is truly impressive.”

Gu Zhenzhen took the chance to tease Ji Anran—a rare opportunity. Who knew when such a moment would come again?

“Naughty girl, not seen for a while and you dare mock me? Bold! Hmph, but all right, since you two worked so hard to find me, I’ll forgive you. I know, to get the Skyfire Divine Sword, your help is needed. How wonderful you’re truly here.”

“So what is this Skyfire Divine Sword? Why does it take so long to emerge? On our way, I sensed a supreme expert tailing us, yet he hasn’t appeared. I suspect he’s the city lord of Sword City.”

“Haha, your perception is impressive. I thought I’d hidden my aura to a terrifying degree, undetectable to ordinary folk. Yet you sensed me—astonishing. But even so, what can you do? Don’t worry, I won’t act now. I’ve waited for this divine sword for years. I’d give anything to obtain it. If you leave peacefully, I’ll pretend nothing happened. If you wish to fight, I’ll see it through. But do you really have the courage?”

God Snow One Sword floated in, clearly fond of white—white robes, white hair, white sword. His spotless attire was immaculate. “Green Bamboo, it’s been so long. I’ve searched for you for years, heard you suffered serious internal injuries. But now, the rumors are clearly false.”

“God Snow One Sword? Hmph, you old thing, still alive? As you see, I’m fine. The injury was real, but it was years ago. Since we haven’t met in so long, you should know—if you dare attack, I won’t let you go. Our last duel ended without a winner.”

“Green Bamboo, you jest. I wouldn’t dare offend the might of the Snow Sword. For your sake, I’ll yield. In the Divine Sword Sect, I guarantee not to touch those two. But once they leave the sect, who knows what will happen—that’s all I can promise.”

God Snow One Sword’s skill was formidable, but Green Bamboo’s was equally so. Over the years, she could match him. If they fought, it would be a contest of strength and life.

“Good. You are a grandmaster—don’t disgrace yourself. Otherwise, if word spreads, you’ll look bad. Though you lack shame, your ancestors in Sword City were heroes; don’t let your actions turn Sword City into a joke.”

Suddenly, God Snow One Sword approached Liang Xi, gripping his wrist tightly, his voice cold. “I hear my useless disciple Sword Three was slain by you? Good, very good. I’ve been secluded for years and didn’t know such a formidable youth had emerged. I’ll remember this debt and settle it later.”

A threat, unmistakably. Liang Xi showed no fear, smiling mildly. “Elder, you flatter me. With Sword Three’s skill, I’d normally stand no chance. To kill him was luck, nothing more.”

Facing the threat, Liang Xi remained unfazed, even joking. God Snow One Sword burst out laughing—it had been years since he’d met such an interesting person. “Excellent! You’re young, yet have such spirit and skill. Good you admit it—I’ll find you later.”

“Bang!”

God Snow One Sword struck Liang Xi directly, intending to teach him a lesson. But despite the powerful force, it had no effect on Liang Xi. “Elder, your strike seemed formidable, but in truth, it’s nothing remarkable. I know you wanted to kill me, but you failed. With the Lingyun Codex protecting me, no attack can harm me.”

“Elder, you should check your hands. They’ve been touched by my Moon Cold energy—you know, no one has ever resisted it.”

Sure enough, a chill crept over God Snow One Sword’s face. He realized he’d been tricked. “Tell me, what is this Moon Cold energy? How can it be dispelled? I’ll give you a chance—tell me, and I’ll spare you.”

Liang Xi ignored him—the city lord was powerful, but lacked wits. Moon Cold energy was Liang Xi’s proud skill; if he revealed how to counter it, what secrets would remain? “Elder, with your divine skills, you should solve these problems yourself. I know you’ve faced such things before—go through it again, and you’ll be fine.”

“Since I’m here today, I’ll make it clear—the Skyfire Divine Sword must go to my Anran; no one else qualifies. Even if the city lord comes, I have no fear. Elder, now is a good opportunity—let’s fight. If I win, the sword is ours; if I lose, we’ll depart.”

God Snow One Sword never expected a challenge at this moment, but since it came, a battle was inevitable. “So, you wish to fight me? Fine—I’ve wanted to see the skill of the youth who killed Sword Three.”

“Haha, how lively! The Sword Pool hasn’t seen such excitement in years—so many old friends and new faces.”

Just then, a fat elder floated in. Despite his size, his movements were swift. “Fat Crane, you came as expected. It’s obvious—you always love a lively scene.”

Fat Crane was a famous wealthy man within a hundred miles, known for his generosity and martial skill. Because he had friends everywhere, people respected him. “Haha, I could skip any other gathering, but not the birth of the Skyfire Divine Sword. Besides, we’re friends—if you’re in trouble, I’ll help.”

So the fat man came to lend support. If it were anyone else, it might not work, but against Liang Xi, things were different. “Fat Crane, you’re bold! Seeing me, you pretend not to. Seems you’re growing in fame.”

Fat Crane recognized Liang Xi’s voice and broke out in cold sweat. Damn, how had he missed him? He hurried over, his corpulent body bouncing with odd rhythm.

“Young master, my eyes failed me—I didn’t see you. You came to the Divine Sword Sect and didn’t seek me out? I’ve always said, whenever you need me, I’ll serve you faithfully.” Facing Liang Xi, Fat Crane was utterly obsequious—his pale, plump face comically contorted. Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen, still young girls, couldn’t help but giggle.

Liang Xi could be adorable, but when serious, he exuded nobility. “I wouldn’t dare bother you—since you’re here to oppose me, I’d best stay clear. The Skyfire Divine Sword, though precious, is worthless to me. But the beautiful lady beside me likes pretty things—she begged and cried for this divine sword.”

“I can’t stand to see a beauty cry, so I hurried here. After getting the sword, I meant to visit you, but now you’re helping outsiders against me. That’s disappointing. Never mind, Fat Crane, you needn’t explain. Your reputation grows ever brighter; my Liang clan is small and can’t contain you. I’ll leave, and you pretend you didn’t see me. Next time, we’ll still be friends.”

“Thud!”

Fat Crane, without a word, knelt instantly, trembling in terror. “Slap, slap, slap”—his white face reddened.

“Young master, what are you saying? You know what I was before. Without your family, I’d have nothing. Who dares speak ill of the Liang clan? I’ve done many shameful things, but to the Liang clan, I’ve never shown disrespect!” Fat Crane kowtowed furiously, his earlier swagger gone.

The Liang clan held unmatched status in both martial and commercial circles. Facing them, one could only look up, never as equals.

Fat Crane was a big figure in the Divine Sword Sect’s area, but before Liang Xi, he was nothing. Liang Xi disliked bullying, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t.

Gu Zhenzhen and Ji Anran had often seen Liang Xi’s playful side, but seldom his solemn demeanor. The Liang clan’s first rule: half of all matters are solved by yuan crystals, half by martial skill. Liang Xi had always dismissed this, but today he saw its truth.

Liang Xi smiled, “So you admit your mistake?”

“Yes, yes, yes, I truly erred! Young master, please don’t tell the clan—otherwise, I’d have to die to prove my innocence. Don’t worry, I’ll leave now, never troubling you again.”

Fat Crane scrambled away, utterly embarrassed, but better that than losing his life.

God Snow One Sword’s face darkened. What had happened? Wasn’t Liang Xi just an ordinary youth? What family could even Fat Crane fear?

“Forgive the interruption—just a little episode. I have no real skills, only my family to rely on. Fat Crane knows my parents, so he dared not act.”

With a few words, Liang Xi eliminated a formidable foe—his preferred method. “Boy, only the weak rely on others’ names. If you’re capable, fight me. Today, I want to see what you can do.”

“Hmph, God Snow One Sword, you’ve learned to trouble juniors. You like fighting? Fine, old man, let’s play. We haven’t met in years—now’s the time to test your skill.”

“Jia Shangtong? It’s you, damn old fool, still alive? You’ve been in seclusion, and your Hun Tian Wujie Divine Sword seems perfected?”

More and more experts arrived, beyond Green Bamboo’s control. Yet, she relished it. “Brother Shangtong, you’re here—I’m delighted. Had you come later, you’d have missed me; God Snow One Sword would have bullied me to death!”

Green Bamboo and Jia Shangtong were sworn siblings since childhood. After Green Bamboo obtained the Immortal Pill, she remained youthful, her abilities matching Jia Shangtong’s. She still accepted his protection, an old habit hard to break.

“Sister, no need to explain—I understand completely. God Snow One Sword has always bullied juniors for satisfaction, but flees from true rivals. Rest assured, now that I’m here, no one will harm you.”

He turned to Ji Anran. “Miss Ji, forgive me. Getting the Skyfire Divine Sword is fraught with danger and change. From now on, you’re a Sword Sect elder. The Sword Sect is under my command, and you’ve done well. I won’t let friends die for our treasures.”

“So, God Snow One Sword, weren’t you so formidable before? Now that I’m here, whatever skill you have, show it. Bullying juniors is nothing—come at me instead. The Skyfire Divine Sword is mine now and always will be. As for you, old man, you don’t qualify.”

God Snow One Sword’s face could hardly express his fury. What was happening? Green Bamboo wasn’t enough—now Jia Shangtong had arrived. He was now facing supreme masters. “Haha, so you all planned this together. Then what can I say? I don’t want the Skyfire Divine Sword—surely that’s acceptable?”

It was only a divine sword; opportunities would come again.

“Hmph, old man, is that truly what you think? We’ve known each other so long—whatever you intend, you can tell me. I know you’re waiting for the right moment, but I’ll say it now: as long as I’m here, you won’t have that chance!”

“So, now you see me and dare not act? You bullied my sect’s elder and my sworn sister. Aren’t you a grandmaster? Is this how you conduct yourself?”

God Snow One Sword had spent years in seclusion, honing his sword. Today, he meant to awe the world, but was himself awed. He laughed loudly, “Yes, years of seclusion nearly made me forget the rules. The Snow Sword has been with me for years—today, I’ll give you an answer!”

“Clang!”

With a mighty force, the Snow Sword broke in two. Sword practitioners must never abandon their sword, nor break it lightly—this was taboo. Yet, God Snow One Sword had deep skill; even without his sword, none could harm him. Jia Shangtong was surprised by his decisiveness.

“Such courage! In this, you’re unchanged from before. I accept your gesture—now you may leave.”

“Sister, is this answer sufficient? The Snow Sword was his companion for years; breaking it means Sword City will not accept him. Among sword practitioners, he loses all prestige—a fatal blow. Believe me, after this, he’ll never dare covet the sword again. Should he try, every swordsman will shun him!”

To break one’s sword is to abandon it, and his reputation is ruined. Sometimes, it isn’t necessary to strip someone’s power—this is punishment enough. Even with sublime skill, he can no longer wield it. I never expected him to go so far.

“He’s trained in sword arts since youth—his skill is astonishing. Liang Xi, though you have the Earth Volume of the Lingyun Codex, do you think it makes you invincible? If you two had fought, your odds of survival would be sixty percent. Even for me, confronting him requires full strength. You’ve only mastered the first three volumes, and have no clue about the fourth—so you’d have no chance. Luckily, I arrived just in time; otherwise, who knows what might have happened. Now, everyone can relax—take the Skyfire Divine Sword and leave quickly, before trouble arises.”