Quick Blade Hall Guard

(I) High on the mountainside, a stone house, covered in green vines, stood alone, like a giant stone wall. The mountain wind swayed the leaves of the vines,
and all was silent. A lone wild goose flew across the azure sky, turning into a black dot, lingering in the distance, lingering in Hu Guangye's eyes.

After waiting for a full half hour, a green shadow flickered in the mountainside and leaped up the mountaintop. Hu Guangye's waist tightened, his toes barely touching the ground as he swiftly
emerged from his hiding place, moving quickly through the gaps in the bushes. Branches constantly brushed against him, rustling softly. Soon he had passed the low-lying valley and was climbing the slope
without encountering anyone to stop him.

Rumors circulated in the martial arts world that Elder Feng Changqing of the Quick Blade Hall had already lost power, and it seemed to be true. His residence, Luojia Mountain, was unguarded. It seemed that the Martial Academy's dispatch of
nine Sword Sect masters to retrieve the Xuanwu Sword was superfluous.

Upon reaching the steep slope, Hu Guangye leaped and bounded without slowing down. Three Sword Sect experts had already reached the summit, their
eagerness make a contribution evident. He no longer bothered to conceal himself, his feet touching the treetops as he glided gracefully down the slope towards the top. Looking back, he saw several
swaying figures below, following closely behind.

The simultaneous actions of all nine Sword Sect experts were rare in recent years. The Sword Sect was determined to obtain the Xuanwu Sword; it could not be lost! It was ironic, really. The prestigious
Xuanwu Academy Sword Sect's prized possession had been in the hands of outsiders for over forty years. What face would the Sword Sect have left?

Reclaiming the Xuanwu Sword for the Sword Sect was reclaiming the Xuanwu Sword for himself! Hu Guangye knew very well that his master was getting old and could not lead the Sword Sect for many more years.
The position of Sword Sect Master would inevitably fall into his hands sooner or later. Hu Guangye didn't want to end up like his master, leading the Sword Sect for years without the Xuanwu Sword, becoming a laughingstock among his fellow disciples.

The Martial Academy's rules were no longer what they used to be; the tradition of seniority and elders inheriting the position of sect leader was long gone.

Hu Guangye's martial arts ranked first among the nine masters of the Sword Sect, and none of his senior brothers were his match. Therefore, the position of sect leader was undoubtedly his. Before leaving, his master
had hinted that if he could distinguish himself in retrieving the Xuanwu Sword, the succession would be even more natural.

Thinking of this, Hu Guangye couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Back then, Feng Changqing was the most skilled swordsman among his fellow disciples, yet the position of sect leader went to his senior brother, who forced him
to defect to the Hanzhong Quick Blade Hall. In a fit of anger, Feng Changqing took the Xuanwu Sword with him, a situation that was somewhat pitiful.

As they neared the stone house atop the mountain, Hu Guangye composed himself, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword. With a swift movement, he leaped onto the roof and looked down, only to
be startled .

Three figures lay in the courtyard, all dressed in blue robes and black boots—the three sword masters who had accompanied him. Who could have so silently and effortlessly defeated them in such a short time? Hu
Guangye tensed, his mind sharpening, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The trees cast long shadows, and sunlight streamed through the air, but there was no sign of human presence. The courtyard was spacious,
with soft, damp earth beneath the trees. There were no artificial hills, flowers, rocks, ponds, or pavilions; apart from the stone house beneath his feet, there was nowhere to hide. Therefore,
the one who had defeated them must be the person inside the stone house.

Seeing his fellow Sword Sect disciples arrive behind him, Hu Guangye sneered slightly and raised his voice, "Hu Guangye and others from the Sword Sect of Xuanwu Academy pay respects to Senior Feng Changqing!"
Logically, Feng Changqing was his grand-uncle, though he had betrayed Xuanwu Academy and had no connection with the academy for decades. However, addressing him as "senior" was still a sign
of respect .

A few coughs came from inside the stone house, followed by a hoarse, desolate voice: "You—whose disciple are you?"

This was presumably Feng Changqing.

Hu Guangye replied, "My master is Yan Houzhen!" Feng

Changqing sighed, "Little Yan is quite clever, but how come his disciple is so incompetent? The academy is truly declining with each generation."

Hu Guangye, angered by this, became even more blunt, saying, "I have come to retrieve the Xuanwu Sword on my master's orders!" With that, he drew his sword, a sword aura
arcing through the air, its sharpness striking forward.

Feng Changqing said, "Hmm, your swordsmanship has shown some promise, which is quite an achievement. Go tell Yan Houzhen that I will have someone return the Xuanwu Sword when it is time
. None of the people in the courtyard are injured, so you may proceed."

Hu Guangye laughed loudly, leaped into the courtyard, and said, "The Xuanwu Sword has been in your hands for too long, senior. I must retrieve it today." Several fellow disciples from the Sword
Sect who accompanied him followed behind, spreading out in formation. Six sword energies emerged and pressed towards the stone house.

Hu Guangye deliberately channeled his inner energy to laugh, the echoes of his laughter reverberating throughout the mountaintop. A buzzing sound also filled the stone house.

Hu Guangye had long heard that Feng Changqing had been bedridden for several years, and that his three fellow disciples must have been tricked by him. He was confident in his own swordsmanship and had several Sword Sect
experts protecting him, so he was not afraid. Concentrating his attention, he saw that besides Feng Changqing, only the black-clad youth standing in the shadows at the doorway remained in the stone house, which reassured him.

However, before the laughter subsided, a group of black-clad figures leaped into the courtyard. Judging from their attire, they were members of the Quick Blade Hall.

Hu Guangye was secretly alarmed. He hadn't noticed these people reaching the mountain peak at all. Although he had been completely focused on the stone house, causing him to miss them, they were still not to be underestimated
. Feng Changqing's confidence showed he was prepared.

A woman with a plain face and red lips approached gracefully. In the sunlight, her snow-white face appeared delicate and translucent, and the black
hair made her cheeks appear even more fair and smooth. Hu Guangye involuntarily took a step back.

The woman in black smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth, and said, "Who do we have here? It's none other than the Martial Academy's Hero Hu. Why are you disturbing my
father's peaceful cultivation like those petty thieves?"

Hu Guangye, overwhelmed by her beauty, snorted and was speechless. Inside the house, Feng Changqing said, "Who gave you permission to come? Get back here!" He
was even more rude to his daughter.

The woman in black pleaded, "Father! I told you to put the sword in the Sword Pavilion in the hall, so these people wouldn't bother you every day. How are you supposed to recover?!"

Feng Changqing snorted angrily, "Get back here! You good-for-nothing!" Then he coughed repeatedly.

The woman in black exclaimed, "Father, what's wrong?" She darted towards the stone house, but seemed to have bumped into something and bounced back.

The woman in black angrily said, "Little Stone! What are you doing?!"

A clear, deep voice said, "The elders have ordered that no one may enter without permission." Hu Guangye looked up and saw
the young man .

The woman in black said, "I'm his daughter! Have you lost your mind?"

The young man in black kept his lips tightly shut, not uttering a word. The woman in black grew even angrier, and with a wave of her hand, several men in black rushed towards the stone house. A sharp clang of blades rang out, and the
men fell backward to the ground, just like the three Sword Sect disciples.

Hu Guangye was immediately astonished. He now knew that the three Sword Sect experts must have been defeated by this young man in black, but he didn't understand why he had attacked the Quick Blade Hall members in the same way,
showing no mercy whatsoever.

The woman in black shouted, "How dare you! You've gone too far! A mere guard dares to lay a hand on an elder of the Quick Blade Hall! Seize him!"

Seeing the situation change, Hu Guangye and several Sword Sect disciples retreated to the side. The Quick Blade Hall disciples in black pressed towards the stone house. Feng Changqing inside remained silent, offering
no resistance.

The sounds of clashing blades filled the air as the black-clad disciples darted and weaved before the door, one entering, another exiting,
yet they couldn't subdue the young man in black. Suddenly, Hu Guangye felt a blade of energy flash past him. A gray figure disappeared among the black-clad disciples, followed by a
clear, long "ding." The disciples scattered, leaving only a gray-clad figure facing the young man in black.

The gray-clad man, with his rounded shoulders, parried and blocked attacks with his blade, the light flashing on both sides. Hu Guangye only saw the black-clad youth using one hand to parry and block, one strike after another. Gradually, the
gray-clad man retreated step by step, while the black-clad youth followed. The light illuminated his silent face, revealing thick eyebrows and thin lips, his expression resolute; he looked to be around twenty years old.

Inside the house, Feng Changqing said, "Is that Yu Cun? You've come too. I'm truly disappointed."

The gray-clad man suddenly leaped back, saying, "The sect leader has ordered that the Xuanwu Sword be protected without fail. My senior uncle is ill, and the sect leader is worried."

Feng Changqing said, "You know that I, Feng Changqing, do not obey any sect leader's orders. The Xuanwu Sword is not a possession of the Quick Blade Hall. Further words are useless. Go, or don't blame
me for being ruthless."

The gray-clad man pondered for a long time before saying, "Yes!" He silently turned to leave, but then turned back to stare at the black-clad youth, saying:

"Who are you? And what are you doing using the Quick Blade Hall's swordsmanship?"

The black-clad youth bowed and said, "Uncle Wei, don't you recognize me? I am Li Qingshi, a fifth-rank disciple of the Quick Blade Hall , and I have been serving Elder Feng for several years."

The gray-clad man scoffed, "Fifth-rank? There's no such person as you

among the fifth-rank disciples." The black-clad youth said, "Uncle Wei, you can check the Quick Blade Hall's register. I am indeed a fifth-rank disciple. Due to poverty at home, I stopped practicing martial arts three years ago and now
serve as a guard here."

The gray-clad man snorted and said nothing more. He retreated alone. The black-clad woman called out loudly, "Father! Can't I even go in and see you?"

Feng Changqing angrily said, "Are you that filial? You're always flirting with other men. How dare you face me? Go now, or I'll break your legs!"

The black-clad woman frowned, reluctantly stomped her foot, and said to the black-clad youth, "Little Shizi, you wait and see what I'll do to you!"

The black-clad youth didn't answer and retreated into the shadows in front of the door. His expression was unclear. The woman in black turned and glared at Hu Guangye and the others, saying, "
What are you all still standing here for?! Waiting to be kicked out?" Hu Guangye was furious. This woman was so beautiful, yet she spoke so hurtfully; appearances could be deceiving. He channeled his energy into his sword, his robes
billowing, ready to teach her a lesson.

The woman in black scoffed, "You few disciples of the Martial Academy's Sword Sect think you can cause trouble in the Quick Blade Hall? You're not up to the task!" With a flick of her sleeve,
a short blade . She gracefully stopped in her tracks and suddenly lunged at Hu Guangye.

Seeing this delicate woman heading straight for his sword, Hu Guangye instinctively dodged. But the woman in black flashed to his side, her jade-like face close, and she said with a sweet laugh, "
A little reluctant, are you?" As she spoke, she showed no mercy, her short blade stabbing towards his chest. Fortunately, Hu Guangye dodged quickly; with a "whoosh," his shoulder was
ripped open, and his skin stung.

Hu Guangye blushed, fearing his fellow disciples would see through his lustful act and realize he had almost fallen for her trick. He stepped back, his sword flashing, creating a circle of sword flowers,
preventing the woman in black from getting close.

The woman in black laughed, "Stab me! Stab me!" and lunged at him again. Hu Guangye was no longer fooled; he unleashed his sword's power, the air hissing as it sliced through the air.

Watching the woman in black's footwork closely, he saw her toe lightly touch the ground, her body shifting in the opposite direction, preventing him from harming her.

Sometimes, when she closed in, her prominent breasts, concealed beneath her black robes, trembled slightly, captivating all who beheld them.

The woman in black turned around and saw the Quick Blade Hall disciples standing there dumbfounded. She shouted, "What are you standing there for!" Instantly, all the Quick Blade Hall disciples surrounded him. Hu Guangye
thought to himself that today would be a tough battle. He held his sword horizontally in front of his chest, unleashing his sword energy, and deflected the attacks. With a series of hissing sounds and flashes of green light, the woman in black was kept
several steps away. Hu Guangye occasionally exchanged blows with other disciples in black and felt that their sword skills were all quite strong. With more than a dozen disciples in black in front of him, and being on Quick Blade Hall territory,
he feared that today's mission would be difficult to accomplish, and thus he began to consider retreating.

Suddenly, Feng Changqing shouted from inside the house, "Disciples of the Quick Blade Hall, listen up! This place is none of your business. Leave immediately!"

The woman in black said coquettishly, "Father—!"

Feng Changqing coughed a few times and said, "Qingshi, send them down the mountain."

Li Qingshi replied, "Yes!"

Seeing Li Qingshi approach, the woman in black said, "You dare?!"

But she saw a strange expression on Li Qingshi's face as he continued to approach step by step. The woman in black couldn't help but take a step back and said, "Li Qingshi, you—you—you
—you forgot—." As she spoke, her face turned red, she tossed her head, and turned away angrily, shouting, "Let's go!" She left with the group of Quick Blade Hall disciples.

(II) Only the young man in black was left. Hu Guangye stared at his simple and upright figure, hesitating.

Feng Changqing said, "Qingshi, let one of them come in to see me." Li Qingshi said, "Yes." He looked around at Hu Guangye and the others.

Just as Hu Guangye was about to step forward, a fellow disciple from the Sword Sect beside him said, "Junior Brother Hu, let me go!"

Hu Guangye, seeing that Feng Changqing's tone today seemed to indicate an intention to return the Xuanwu
Sword

, wouldn't allow his senior brother to steal the credit. He stepped forward, saying, "I've been speaking with Senior Feng the whole time, so I'll go." The two crowded at the doorway, neither willing to give way. Hu Guangye was secretly furious. Just now, Senior Brother Lu had been hiding behind him, and now he was trying to steal the credit, making a fool of himself in front of outsiders.
He couldn't help but push him with his waist and shoulder .

Senior Brother Lu's face turned red, and he shouted, "Junior Brother Hu, you…?!" Hu Guangye glanced at the black-clad youth, seeing his expressionless face, and noticing no hint of mockery, he felt slightly relieved. He glared fiercely at Senior Brother Lu, about to
speak. A junior brother behind him said, "Senior Brother Lu, I think it's more appropriate for Senior Brother Hu to go in."

Senior Brother Lu shrank back in embarrassment. Hu Guangye felt grateful: Junior Brother Qiao was fair after all.

The young man in black stood by the door, showing no impatience. Seeing Hu Guangye walk ahead, he led him inside.

As Hu Guangye walked, he thought to himself, "Senior Brother Lu has disgraced the Martial Academy; I will surely punish him in the future." The passageway was dark and narrow; he almost bumped into the stone wall. He quickly
suppressed his thoughts and followed the young man in black past a partition wall, arriving at a large room.

Looking around, he saw that apart from some crude and simple items piled up in the corners and a row of sword racks under a small square window, the room was empty and clean
. The door to a small stone hut near the cliff was open, revealing a bed standing upright. A person lay on the bed, and from a distance, he saw a head of disheveled white hair. His heart skipped
a beat; he thought, "This must be the grandmaster Feng Changqing."

Feng Changqing was a disciple of the Sword Sect of the Martial Academy in his early years. Due to a power struggle, he joined the Quick Blade Hall in Hanzhong and founded its own sword sect. His disciple, He Yuan, the leader of the Fierce Horse Hall,
recently eliminated the once-powerful Flying Eagle Gang in Guyong Town, making the Fierce Horse Hall the most powerful gang in the world.

Although Hu Guangye was usually confident in his swordsmanship, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in front of this old man lying on his sickbed. He unconsciously slowed down and
lightened his pace. When he reached the door, Feng Changqing's eyes shot over, and Hu Guangye involuntarily shrank back, as if dodging a thrusting sword. Feng Changqing looked again, and Hu Guangye suddenly felt
a wide-open gap in his chest and abdomen. He turned slightly to the side.

Feng Changqing smiled slightly and asked, "How old were you when you started practicing swordsmanship?"

Hu Guangye replied, "Thirteen." Feng Changqing

said, "A bit late, your foundation is a little weak."

Hu Guangye's family was poor when he was young, so how could he have spare money to learn martial arts? However, relying on his strong physique and working exceptionally hard than others after beginning to learn swordsmanship, he stood out from his fellow disciples and
was always proud of this. Unexpectedly, Feng Changqing saw through him at a glance, causing him to be secretly alarmed.

Having reached this level in swordsmanship, he understood that while he could boast to outsiders, his weak foundation severely hampered his progress towards higher levels of swordsmanship.
The bitterness only taste in silence.

Feng Changqing said, "Sit!" Hu Guangye sat down.

Feng Changqing stared at him intently without speaking. Hu Guangye was restless, occasionally stealing glances at Feng Changqing. He saw that Feng Changqing's face was shaped like a monkey, extremely fierce
and ugly , yet his hair and beard were all silver-white, without any other color, adding to his weathered and imposing presence. His eyes were bright yellow and piercing,
holding all his intelligence, experience, extraordinary talent, and unyielding spirit, making one instantly forget his ugliness and be captivated by his beauty.

Feng Changqing asked, "Your clothes, were they custom-made by the Nian family in Luoyang?"

Hu Guangye replied, "Yes."

Feng Changqing asked, "Hmm, a blue robe, fourth or fifth rank?"

Hu Guangye softly answered, "This disciple is fourth rank." For some reason, sitting before the old man's bed, Hu Guangye felt a sensation he had never experienced before, as if a
fragrant, aged scent wafted towards him, calming his mind and allowing him to listen respectfully.

Feng Changqing said, "Even among fourth-rank disciples, there are varying levels. Among fourth-rank disciples..."

Hu Guangye replied, "Relatively strong." As he spoke, his face involuntarily flushed, but fortunately, the room was dimly lit, so it wasn't noticeable. Feng Changqing's expression turned wistful: "Forty-three years...
Hmm, back then I was also a fourth-rank..." He paused, then asked, "Did the Martial Academy send you with any token?"

Hu Guangye was startled, only then remembering the purpose of his visit, and said, "No." He added, "Our movement techniques and martial arts are clearly those of Sword Sect disciples." Feng

Changqing nodded, pondering for a long time, until Hu Guangye seemed somewhat unsettled, before saying, "It seems the Martial Academy didn't send you to retrieve the Xuanwu Sword..."

Hu Guangye hurriedly protested, "This disciple did indeed come under orders!" Feng Changqing's

eyes suddenly flashed with a divine light, staring intently at him: "You can come up the mountain, but can you come down?" He coughed a few times, then said, "If the Quick Blade Hall allowed
you all to come and go so easily, how could it be the Quick Blade Hall that I, Feng Changqing, have established myself in? Hmph, Huang Taoting is just waiting to take the Xuanwu Sword from your hands. Huang Taoting... Huang Taoting..."
"...His master allowed me to establish the Sword Sect, yet he can't bear to part with a single sword. With such a narrow-mindedness, the Quick Blade Hall's scope is clearly shrinking."

Hu Guangye wasn't stupid. Hearing this, he pondered, "Coming up the mountain so easily, could it be that the Quick Blade Hall really has another scheme?"

Feng Changqing said, "There's only one Xuanwu Sword. How could it be just a matter for one branch of the Sword Sect? The Martial Academy must have made arrangements, but I wonder who is providing support?" He muttered to himself, as if
asking Hu Guangye, or perhaps deep in thought.

Hu Guangye couldn't answer for a moment. Feng Changqing said, "That's it, the Martial Academy has always used unorthodox methods for swordsmanship..." As he spoke, he suddenly stopped and shouted, "What's all this commotion outside?"

Li Qingshi's voice came from the doorway: "The disciples of the Martial Academy seem to have been poisoned." It was unclear when he had left the house.

Hu Guangye was startled and rushed out of the stone house. At the door, Li Qingshi, his face covered with a damp cloth, said, "Quickly, hold your breath."

Hu Guangye glanced at him suspiciously. He saw three or four martial arts academy disciples slumped on the ground in the courtyard, while others struggled to their feet, their arms hanging limply at their sides, seemingly
unable to even lift their swords.

Hu Guangye held his breath and stared blankly, not daring to make a move. Suddenly, a huge figure appeared outside the courtyard wall, shooting towards the door in an instant. Before the two could even question him,
they attacked simultaneously. They only saw a blur before the huge figure burst through the gaps in their swords and blades. Hu Guangye was face to face with the newcomer, chest to chest, pressed tightly together. Terrified, he
still gripped his sword hilt and tried to push away with both hands. The man laughed, flashed past him, and rushed into the house. Hu Guangye immediately felt a squeeze against his chest as Li Qingshi
brushed past him , his blade flashing as he pursued the figure.

Hearing Feng Changqing's voice, Hu Guangye exclaimed, "It's you? You old thief!" When Hu Guangye entered, he saw a man strutting around Feng Changqing's bedside, beaming with pride
. "How will you thank me this time? I caught that poison-spreading girl for you."

At the man's feet lay a woman, face down, her long, flowing black hair obscuring her head. She had a slender waist and full hips, her body curled up.

Li Qingshi was apologizing to Feng Changqing. Feng Changqing smiled and said, "It's not your fault. Even if you had blocked the door, this old thief could still have slipped in."

Hearing this, the man's smile widened, startling Hu Guangye. The man's face was covered in pockmarks, and a huge nose took up
half his face. Hu Guangye immediately recognized him: the Ghost Thief Kong Daqian!

Kong Daqian was ghostly in appearance, and his lightness skill and thieving techniques were equally ghostly. He had been famous for over forty years, with nine disciples scattered throughout the land, each leading a region. He could be considered
a patriarch of thieves.

As the saying goes, "Steal when you're happy, don't steal when you're unhappy; there are things you won't steal, but things you must steal; if you don't steal, you're wasting your time, and even if you do steal, it's all for nothing. Hence the name 'Happy Thief'."

The cunning thief Kong Daqian chuckled, lifting the woman's head from the ground and slapping her awake, saying, "Guess who she is?

One of your self-satisfied disciples' subordinates, haha!"

Feng Changqing said, "Yuan'er is here too? Good, you don't have time to visit me, but you have time to scheme against me."

The woman broke free from Kong Daqian's massive hand and hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "Junior Tang Jiao greets Senior Feng. Hall Master He wouldn't dare to make things difficult for you, Senior. It was just that
I saw those foul-mouthed faces I often encountered in Luoyang, and on a whim, I drugged them and played a joke on them. You wouldn't dare poison them in front of your house, Senior." Hu Guangye's heart skipped

a beat. Was this the same Tang Jiao who had displayed such prowess in the battle against the Flying Eagle Gang a while ago, defeating the Poison Beggar Yuan Bufu in a poison duel? Seeing her
fair and clear complexion, he thought to himself, "Why learn poisonous arts when there are so many other things to learn? No wonder it's rumored that she's still single; probably no one dares to approach her.

" Feng Changqing snorted and asked, "Where's Yuan'er?"

Tang Jiao replied, "The young lady dragged him away to drink, so she sent me to inform you, senior."

Feng Changqing said, "Fine, I'm too lazy to ask you. Go and neutralize the effects of the drugs on those people outside."

Tang Jiao said, "Yes," and bowed as she was about to leave.

Kong Daqian pulled out a large pile of bottles and jars from his robes and asked, "Which one is it?"

Tang Jiao smiled and said, "The green ones."

Kong Daqian picked out two green bottles for her and put the rest into his robes like treasures.

Tang Jiao giggled, "Oh, the things in my bottles are strange, some of them accidentally spilled out..."

Hearing this, Kong Daqian hurriedly pulled them all out and shoved them back at her. He was worried that something might still be inside, so he almost tore his robes apart. Tang Jiao put
the bottles and jars into her robes and suddenly said, "Huh, what's this?" She picked up a jade pendant and examined it closely.

Kong Daqian snatched it away, "Mine, mine!"

Tang Jiao said, "It seems to be a woman's personal item."

Kong Daqian hurriedly said, "No, no, you're talking nonsense!"

Tang Jiao opened a green bottle and placed it on the table in the room. Several people in the room shouted in unison, "What are you doing?!"

Li Qingshi's knife tip was already at the bottle.

Tang Jiao chuckled, "I'm afraid the medicinal properties outside will seep into the room and offend you, senior. I'll get scolded when I get back."

Kong Daqian shooed her away, "Go, go, get out!"

Tang Jiao bowed to Feng Changqing, smiled, and turned to leave.

Kong Daqian said, "That was close! That was close! I'll remember this from now on, I won't steal anything from the Poison Girl. This is called 'something you shouldn't steal, but something you must steal!'"

Feng Changqing said, "Old thief, you're ten days early!"

Kong Daqian glared and said, "How could that be? Isn't today the eighth day of the sixth lunar month?"

Feng Changqing said, "That's right, I told you to come on the eighteenth of the sixth lunar month, so you're ten days early!"

Kong Daqian said, "It's clearly the eighth day of the sixth lunar month, are you confused because you're sick!"

Feng Changqing said angrily, "You haven't changed your old habit of making mistakes in forty years!" Kong Daqian was at a loss, scratching his ears and cheeks, muttering, "No, no
. Did I make a mistake again?"

Feng Changqing said, "Forty-three years ago, I asked you to retrieve my master's relics, but you stole the Xuanwu Sword, causing me to bear the infamy for half my life. Shouldn't I
blame you?"

Hu Guangye was stunned upon hearing this. The Xuanwu Sword had been hanging outside for so long, and it was actually stolen by mistake?

Kong Daqian said aggrievedly, "Didn't I already apologize? Why bring that up again? The Xuanwu Sword was something your master used, wasn't it? It's not entirely wrong!"

Feng Changqing said, "Hmph! The Xuanwu Sword matter is one thing, but among my master's disciples, no one but me was worthy of taking it. So
what ? For forty years, who could do anything to me? ... Fifteen years ago, where did you put my son? Tell me!"

Kong Daqian said, "This... I'm really sorry, I didn't remember at first, and then I remembered but it was gone.

What could I do? I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed! In short, I'm extremely sorry!"

Feng Changqing was stunned and angry to himself. Kong Daqian, fearing that he would still investigate old grievances, said, "Didn't you have something to ask me? You're here early, so be it. I'll get the job done the same way.
Just tell me, and I'll definitely get it done for you this time!"

Feng Changqing came to his senses and said in a deep voice, "Qingshi, bring me the Xuanwu Sword." (III) Li Qingshi responded and went. After a while, he returned with a dark
long sword in both hands and brought it to Feng Changqing's bedside.

Hu Guangye couldn't help but feel hot-eared and his heart pounded. He opened his eyes wide and looked closely. This Xuanwu Sword, along with the Tianwen Sword of the Chen family of Luoyang, the Heavy Sword of the Huyan family, the Flying Dragon Sword of the Shenlong Society,
and the Qingyang Ancient Wood Sword of Xiaohan Mountain, is known as one of the five famous swords of the present day. The swords are passed down through the people who created them. Behind each famous sword lies the unparalleled style of the predecessors who wielded the sword and
many stories of the martial arts world.

The Xuanwu Sword was made by Guiyuanzi, a master swordsmith in the early Song Dynasty. Guiyuanzi was a Taoist of the Shangqing Danding School who was skilled in the art of metal and stone smelting. He used deep-sea iron stone to forge the sword.
This sword originally belonged to Qi Xianlie, a Taoist priest of the Zhenwu sect and a friend of Guiyuanzi. At the founding of the Martial Academy, Qi Xianlie, then the Imperial Tutor, presented the sword as a congratulatory gift, and the academy was thus
named "Xuanwu Academy."

Those who practice swordsmanship hold their swords in high regard. Upon seeing a fine weapon, they often can't help but examine it closely, like a lustful man seeing a beautiful woman or a drunkard
smelling the aroma of fine wine. Hu Guangye was no exception.

He saw Feng Changqing sit up, take the Xuanwu sword from Li Qingshi, and silently and slowly draw it from its sheath. More and more of the blade was revealed,
giving the impression of inexhaustible potential. Suddenly, a long, melodious "clang" was heard as the tip of the sword touched the scabbard. The sound lingered, eventually reaching the depths of one's being,
intoxicating and uplifting, like drinking fine wine or bathing in a gentle breeze.

Feng Changqing held the sword diagonally forward, his left hand gripping the hilt. His expression was a mix of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep emotion) and 想思 (
xiǎngsī, contemplation). His ape-like face, with its protruding mouth and upturned nose, and a full head of white hair, possessed a strange and indescribable charm. The room was dimly lit, and Hu Guangye could only make out the sword's long blade, its design heavy and ancient. As it turned, a faint light flowed across its surface,
giving a dizzying sense of unpredictable power and unstoppable force.

Hu Guangye had been at the martial arts academy for over twenty years and was now a head martial arts master, yet he had only heard of this sword, never seen it before.

Most famous swords could cut through gold and jade, and slice through iron like mud. The Xuanwu Sword, however, was not known for its sharpness, in that respect it was no different from ordinary swords . Yet
, even the sharpest weapons in the world could not diminish its power. The saying "seeking no merit, but avoiding fault" was undoubtedly related to the fact that the swordsmith was a Taoist sorcerer who practiced tranquility and non-action. This made
the sword appear even more righteous and extraordinary among the five famous swords, perfectly matching the status of Xuanwu Academy as the premier martial arts academy in the world.

Therefore, since the academy's founding, the Xuanwu Sword, as a symbol of Xuanwu Academy, has been more than just a renowned sword in the
martial arts world. The Quick Blade Hall's interest in it is probably more due to its connection to the prestige and fortune of the major martial arts academies.

Seeing Feng Changqing staring at the sword for a long time without speaking, seemingly reluctant to part with it, Hu Guangye felt uneasy, thinking, "If he refuses to return the sword,
then I'll have to take it by force." After meeting Feng Changqing, he lost all confidence, knowing that although Feng Changqing was bedridden, he would likely be far inferior to him in a fight.

Suddenly, Feng Changqing spoke in a hoarse voice: "This sword has been with me for over forty years, wounding countless enemies. Qing Shi—today, I entrust it to you and the old thief to return to the academy!"

Hu Guangye was overjoyed upon hearing this. Li Qingshi exclaimed in surprise, "Elder?!"

Kong Daqian chuckled, "I took it and I returned it, you old monster, you sure know how to make things difficult!"

Feng Changqing glared at Kong Daqian, who involuntarily shrank back, chuckled, and dared not say another word. Feng Changqing turned to Li Qingshi and said, "You've been with me for several years.
Although I haven't personally taught you swordsmanship, I'm sure you've learned a lot from what you've seen and heard. Consider me half a disciple. It's no use keeping me company as I'm about to die. Go, don't
come back . Yuan'er has already made some progress, so don't disappoint me!"

"Elder—!" Li Qingshi knelt down and choked out, "You're unwell, please allow me to return and serve you again." Feng Changqing glared and shouted

, "I, Feng Changqing, have always been a loner, I don't need anyone to look after me! Even if I die—I don't need anyone to mourn me!" He coughed a few times, his tone slightly...
Slightly softening his tone, he said, "You have a resolute and intelligent character; you are destined for greatness. A fine young man like you need not act so coy and annoying."

Kong Daqian chuckled, "Old monster, when I went up the mountain, I saw many Quick Blade Hall disciples bustling about, acting suspiciously. Hehe, I can try on my own, but
with this kid, I might not be able to get out."

Feng Changqing coldly laughed, "You've got it backwards. You can't leave Quick Blade Hall territory alone. With him, it might be possible. Otherwise, why would I have arranged for
others to come with you in ten days?"

Hu Guangye said, "There are nine other disciples who can escort the two of you!" Seeing that Feng Changqing had indeed returned the Xuanwu Sword, he thought that although he hadn't personally
brought the sword back, he had still done some work.

Feng Changqing glanced at him: "You should think more about how to escape. Fortunately, even if you are captured, your lives should be safe."

Xuanwu Academy, along with Kuai Dao Hall and Jiangnan Martial Academy, are the three major martial arts academies in the world. Unlike the Jianghu gangs, although they have been fighting openly and covertly for decades, they never easily take
lives .

Feng Changqing added: "There is one more thing. Go back and tell the academy master Yang Yue that this sword is not being returned to the Sword Sect, but is being given to his disciple Hu Yanbu Shi
for his duel with Xiao Qilang of the Khitan."

Hu Guangye hesitated and said: "This—"

Feng Changqing did not want to say more and waved his hand: "This is not something you can decide. Saying more is useless."

Kong Daqian said: "Old monster, when are we leaving?!" As he spoke, a cool breeze blew in from outside the window, and thunder rumbled faintly in the sky.

Feng Changqing glanced out the window and pondered, "I wonder what Yuan'er's intentions are? If he tries his best to stop you two, then it's better not to go—"

As he was thinking, rumbling thunder sounded outside, and several gusts of cold wind rushed in through the window. The sky quickly darkened.

Li Qingshi resolutely said, "Elder, there's no need to worry. This disciple will overcome all difficulties to fulfill your wish, even if it means sacrificing my life!"

Feng Changqing snapped out of his reverie, staring at Li Qingshi kneeling beneath the bed, and said, "Get up. It's not worth losing your life for a sword. If you encounter Yuan'er,
hand over the sword, and he certainly won't harm you again."

Li Qingshi didn't answer, but stood up. Hu Guangye suddenly sensed a chilling aura emanating from the black-clad youth, an aura that was unapproachable. He instantly felt that if the nine
fellow disciples from the Martial Academy were to force their way in today, they wouldn't be able to enter this stone house at all. He was secretly alarmed: the disciples of the Martial Academy and the Quick Blade Hall of the same rank were roughly equal in skill.
Most of the Martial Academy disciples present today were fourth-rank disciples. If they were both defeated by a fifth-rank disciple of the Quick Blade Hall, it would be a huge blow to the reputation of the Martial Academy.

Feng Changqing looked at Li Qingshi with a hint of approval and said, "Huang Taoting has wanted this sword for a long time, so the Quick Blade Hall disciples at the foot of the mountain must have laid out layers of
defenses . This Luojia Mountain has Monster Manor behind it, and the Quick Blade Hall's territory on the three sides in front. The main hall, the Blade Sect, is in front, the Sword Sect is to the west, and the Scripture Pavilion
, Weapon Storehouse, and Hundred Herbs Hall are on the lakeside to the east, which are the locations of the Spear Sect and various other sects such as Kung Fu, Hidden Weapons, Ethics, Medicine, and Weapons. The back of the mountain is inaccessible.
Which travel from?"

Li Qingshi pondered. After a moment of silence, he said, "The northwest direction."

Feng Changqing said, "The northwest is the border area between the sword and saber sects, located between the two powerful forces. Disciples from both sects can intercept you. Why choose the northwest?"

Li Qingshi said, "The sword sect of the Martial Academy is a side sect. Although our hall is not as obvious as the Martial Academy, the various sects in Donghu are diverse and full of hidden talents. I am not confident that I can
cross through. There are senior masters from two sects residing in the west and north. I do not want to disturb them, so I chose to travel from the northwest."

Feng Changqing nodded and did not ask any further questions. He said, "You must be careful." Turning to Kong Daqian, he said, "Old thief, your thieving skills are divine. I need your help to steal
the blue stone a certain distance. If you encounter any obstacles, let the blue stone go first. If you are captured, I will come to your rescue."

Kong Daqian laughed, "Haha, I've stolen everything, but I've never stolen a person. Steal a boy? Hehe, I've never even thought about it! Interesting, interesting!"

Feng Changqing shouted, "Then have you ever thought about stealing any girl?!"

Kong Daqian's face turned bright red instantly, and he waved his hands wildly, "No, no! Don't talk nonsense!"

Feng Changqing was very surprised. He had just said something casually, but Kong Daqian was overreacting. He never pretended. This flustered expression must mean
he was very guilty. Could it be that at his age, he would still have designs on any girl?

Kong Daqian, feeling uneasy, glanced at Li Qingshi standing motionless and said, "Hurry, it'll rain if we wait any longer!"

Li Qingshi took the Xuanwu Sword, held it in his hand, and bowed to Feng Changqing. Feng Changqing smiled, "Now that you've left this house, I, Feng Changqing, have gained
half a disciple to roam the martial world. Hehe, from now on—you don't need to worry about me, and I won't bother with you. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, it's up to you!"

Li Qingshi's bowed back deepened, and he choked out, "Master!—" This was the first time he addressed Feng Changqing as "Master," and probably the last.

Feng Changqing accepted his bow and nodded, saying, "Go." His voice was kind and hoarse, as if carrying untold stories of vicissitudes, echoing in the stone house.

Li Qingshi left Feng Changqing's house, stayed in his own room for a moment, and then went to the courtyard, where he saw everyone from the Martial Academy standing quietly. Outside, darkness had fallen,
and heavy clouds shrouded the entire mountain. The rain hadn't started yet, but the wind whipped the branches at the summit.

He walked past Hu Guangye and the others, reached the top of the slope, and gazed down at the landscape, remaining silent for a long time.

The Quick Blade Hall, ranked among the top three martial arts academies, had risen in power over the past thirty years, now seemingly poised to surpass the Xuanwu Academy of Luoyang, the premier martial arts institution. With
nearly two , it was a hidden force of many, boasting countless experts. If they were to launch a full-scale attack, breaking through the blockade would be utterly impossible.

Fortunately, martial arts academies differed from江湖 (jianghu) gangs; their disciples and martial arts masters didn't necessarily obey the orders of their leaders. Hall Master Huang Taoting had less than a third of the hall's capable men,
and this matter was connected to Elder Feng Changqing of the Sword Sect. The Sword Sect's stance had been ambiguous, and they might not necessarily obey the Hall Master's commands. Furthermore, the seven masters of the Quick Blade Hall—the seven sons of
the Blade Sect—were now all elders of the hall; it was highly uncertain how many Huang Taoting could muster. Even Hall Master Huang Taoting himself wouldn't dare to make such a fuss over a mere sword, would he?

But the Quick Blade Hall was indeed the Quick Blade Hall; even a tenth of its power was terrifying. Escaping the trap set by Huang Taolue would be no easy feat!

Thinking of this, Li Qingshi felt a chill run down his spine, but he wasn't nervous—this was the excitement that always surfaced in him when facing major events.

Kong Daqian, growing impatient, shouted, "Hey! Kid, what are you playing at?!"

Li Qingshi turned and approached Hu Guangye, saying, "I still need Brother Hu's help."

Hu Guangye, secretly pleased, suppressed his smugness and said, "Speak freely!"

Li Qingshi said, "Please ask the nine senior brothers to go first and descend the mountain separately. Senior Kong and I will follow shortly."

Hu Guangye nodded, gave a light whistle, and called to the other members of the Martial Academy to rush down the mountain.

Standing on high ground, Li Qingshi saw the nine Martial Academy members, several green figures, drifting down the mountain like an unfurled green cloth. Those who tried to stop them scattered at the slightest touch, creating several...
In one direction, they disappeared into the bushes at the foot of the mountain, and immediately, the soft sounds of clashing swords echoed from all directions. Some were entangled in one place, while others extended forward, shouts rising
and falling.

Li Qingshi called out, "Senior!" and took the lead, rushing down the mountain. Three years ago, he was already one of the best fifth-rank disciples of the Quick Blade Hall. After serving Feng Changqing for several years,
his skills had greatly improved. Now, he unleashed his movement technique, like an upright stone statue, swiftly and steadily plunging down the slope. Kong Daqian hesitated for only a moment before only seeing
his back growing smaller and smaller.

Kong Daqian cursed, "Damn it, that brat's lightness skill isn't bad." He moved, seemingly pausing in mid-air, then suddenly dodged
away, like a wisp of smoke, drifting and elusive. It didn't seem fast, but in a moment, he caught up with Li Qingshi.

(The End -

Wei Xiaobao )

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